Serum biochemical and haematological parameters profile of Wistar rats following daily administration of Palm kernel oil

Abstract

Background: Palm kernel oil, or simply PKO, is an edible oil obtain from the kernel of oil palm tree Elaeis guinnensis.

Aim: This study was carried out to determine the phytochemical compositions and evaluate the effects of this oil on selected biochemical  and haematological parameters in Wistar rats.

Methods: Standard methods for analysis were adopted in this study. A total of 30 rats divided into three groups of 10 rats each were  used; group I (control) received only distilled water and feed while group II and III (test groups) received 5ml and 10ml of palm kernel oil  respectively for 21 days in addition to distilled water and feed.

Results: Phytochemical analysis of PKO showed the presence of tannins,  saponins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, and glycosides and the absence of alkaloids in the sample. Results obtained  from biochemical analysis showed both 5 ml and 10 ml palm kernel oil significantly (< 0.05) increased the three liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the total conjugated bilirubins when  compared to the control group. In addition both volumes of PKO administered non – significantly (p > 005) increased Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Haemoglobin (Hb) but significantly (p < 0.05) increased White Blood Cells (WB) and Platelets of the test group when compared  to the control group.