Haematological and Biochemical Indices of Wistar Rats Fed with Corn Silk-supplemented Diet

Abstract Corn silks are being used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. The haematological and biochemical profiles of Wistar rats fed with corn silk- supplemented diet were investigated. Twenty-five albino rats divided into five groups were used for the study. Group 1 was fed with corn silk (CS) and conventional feed (CF) in ratio 1:2, Group 2 was fed CS and CF in ratio 1:1, Group 3 was fed with CS and CF in ratio 2:1, Group 4 was fed with CF only, Group 5 was fed with CS only. The proximate composition and phytochemical constituents of corn silk were determined while haematological and biochemical indices of animals were measured. The result revealed that corn silk was rich in carbohydrate (60.32%) and crude fiber (19.76%), had abundance of calcium (573.33mg/kg), magnesium (150.00mg/kg), phenol and saponin. The packed cell volume, haemoglobin and red blood cells were found to be higher (p<0.05) in animals fed with 2:1 of CS: CF compared to 1:2 of CS: CF. Glucose level was significantly higher in animals fed with 2:1 of CS: CF (119.45 mg/dl), cholesterol, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein levels were lower (p<0.05) in animals fed with corn silk only. The study concluded that corn silks are good source of energy, rich in crude fiber which can stimulate digestion and aid in immune function. The industrial production and commercialization of corn silk need to be prioritized in order to utilize it as a supplement.