Effect of graded levels of <i>Dacryodes edulis</i> (African pear seeds) flour on serum C-reactive proteins of Wistar rats

Abstract

The effect of graded doses of African pear seed flour on serum C-reactive proteins was investigated in wistar rats. Twenty four (24) albino rats weighing 150-250g were randomly distributed into four groups of six (6) rats each thus; group I, II, III and IV. Group I served as control and received normal rats pellet and water ad libitum. Groups II, III and IV served as the experimental groups and were fed with respective doses of 10%, 20%, and 30% African pear seed flour in normal rat feed for 28 days. The animals also received distilled water throughout the feeding duration. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and blood extracted by cardiac puncture. The blood sample was collected into a centrifuge tube along with an anticoagulant and centrifuged for a period of 5 minutes at a speed of 3000rpm. The serum was obtained and used for biochemical estimation of plasma C-reactive protein levels. The results obtained showed C-reactive protein levels of 1.52 + 1.22mg/L, 1.33 + 0.10mg/L, 1.13 +
0.11mg/L, and 1.15±0.01mg/L in I, II, III, and IV groups respectively. From the results, it can be concluded that the fortified diets of graded doses of African pear seeds flour were safe and of nutritional benefit to the experimental animals. Thus, grinded African pear seed flour could be used to fortify diets to alleviate micronutrients malnutrition, as it appears to have immunoprotective capabilities.