Evaluation of the processing methods of Dacryodes edulis var. edulis pulp: insights from biochemical changes in Wistar rats

Dacryodes edulis var. edulis fruit is a commonly consumed humid fruits, with valuable nutritional and therapeutic importance. However, assessing the effects of these fruits in the biological system are essential; therefore, this study evaluated the outcome of consuming raw and processed Dacryodes edulis var. edulis supplemented diets on some biochemical parameters of Wistar rats. In this study, Forty nine male and female Wistar rats (110 ± 30g) were used and were distributed into 7 groups of 7 rats each; control (fed normal rat chow) and groups fed rat chow supplemented with 15% or 30% raw, 15% or 30% roasted, 15% or 30% boiled African pear and water and food was allowed ad libitum. After 28 days feeding period, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum proteins, lipid profile, food intake, body weight changes, and haematological profiles, were determined with usual methods. Findings revealed considerably (p < 0.05) increased ALT, AST, total protein, albumin, globulin, serum total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol and red blood cells, as well as the food intake and body weight levels in the experimental animals. The ALP, white blood cells counts, and platelet counts were considerably (P< 0.05) reduced in experimental animals, in comparison to the control animals. The study concluded that diet supplementation with 15% and 30% raw Dacryodes edulis var. edulis pulp can possibly offer anti-anaemic and hepato-protective benefits, with improved immune system.