Some Biochemical, Haematological and Histological Responses to a Long Term Consumption of Telfairia occidentalis-Supplemented Diet in Rats

Some biochemical, haematological and histological responses were studied in rats undergoing a long term feeding with a Telfairia occidentalis-supplemented diet. Biochemical and hematological parameters investigated included serum protein, total cholesterol, lipid peroxidation, haemoglobin, white blood cells, Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase, Glutathione-stransferase and Superoxide dismutase. Histological changes associated with Telfairia occidentalissupplemented diet on the liver, intestine and testes were also examined. Results showed that Telfairia occidentalis-supplemented diet caused a significant increase (p<0.05) in weight and haemoglobin. Cholesterol and lipid peroxidation were significantly reduced (p<0.05). There were however no significant changes in the enzymes including Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase, Glutathione-s-transferase and Superoxide dismutase. Only Alkaline phosphatase was significantly reduced (p<0.05). Histological changes showed hypertrophy of the intestinal propia and reduced globlet cells while the testes exhibited thick basement membrane and large spermatogonia.