Effects of Raisin-supplemented Large-animal Feed on Hepatic, Renal and Reproductive Parameters in Male Wistar Rats

Background: The high cost and limited availability of conventional laboratory animal diets have encouraged the search for affordable and nutritionally suitable alternatives. Raisins contain polyphenols and other bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties that may support physiological functions. This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical, histological and endocrine effects of feeding male Wistar rats a large-animal feed with or without raisin supplementation. Methods: Eighteen adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 6): a control group fed a standard laboratory diet, T1 fed large-animal feed and T2 fed large-animal feed supplemented with raisins. After four weeks, serum biochemical parameters, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid and creatinine, were measured. Serum testosterone concentrations were also determined. Organ weights were recorded and histopathological examinations of the liver, kidneys and testes were performed. Result: ALT levels were significantly reduced in both T1 and T2 compared with the control group, whereas AST activity increased significantly in T2. BUN and uric acid levels were significantly lower in T2. Testosterone concentrations increased significantly in T1 but remained unchanged in T2. Histopathological examination revealed preserved tissue architecture without evident degeneration or inflammation in the liver, kidneys, or testes. Although reductions in the weights of some organs were observed in T2, no corresponding histopathological abnormalities were detected. The results indicate that raisin supplementation was associated with changes in selected biochemical parameters, particularly renal biomarkers, without evident histopathological damage during the four-week experimental period.