Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Maize (Zea mays) with Soybean (Glycine max) and Moringa (Moringa oleifera) on Blood Biochemical Profile of Albino Rats
B. A. Ibrahim *
Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria
A. Y. Kabiru
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria
M. B. Busari
Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Global Institute for Bioexploration, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria
A. R. Agboola
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria
S. James
Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Effects of supplementation of maize with soybean and Moringa leaf on selected blood parameters in albino rats were investigated. Albino rats weighing 130 – 150 g were grouped into six. Group 1 was fed with normal chow, groups 2 and 3 were fed with maize supplemented with soybeans in ratios 4:1 and 3:2, groups 4 and 5 were fed with maize supplemented with Moringa in ratios 4:1 and 9:1, while, group 6 was fed with maize. At the end of one month study group 4 had the highest reduction in blood glucose and higher increase in albumin by 11.7% and 9.49%. There was decrease in cholesterol in groups 2 and 4. Albino rats fed with Moringa supplementations had the highest HDL increment compared to other groups. All the groups had reduced LDL levels. This study shows that Moringa and soybean supplementation have significant effect on blood glucose, cholesterol, HDL and LDL.
Keywords: Maize, soybean, Moringa leaf, blood profile, albino rats