Abstract
In the present study, the physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition of Afzelia africana seed oil were determined and also effect of the oil-based diet on growth performance and plasma lipid profile were monitored using twenty Wistar albino rats allocated into two groups of ten rats each. The control group was fed with soybean-based diet while Afzelia africana oil-based diet was fed to the test group ad libitum for 28 days. Results showed the acid, saponification, iodine, and peroxide values of the oil to be 3.30 ± 0.27 mg/KOH/g oil, 124.54 ± 0.79 mg/KOH/g oil, 11.17 ± 0.39 g/100 g, and 10.01 ± 0.53 meq/g respectively. Also, linoleic (53%) and oleic acids (21.34%) were found to be the predominant unsaturated fatty acids present, while the predominant saturated fatty acid present is Palmitic acid (14.78%). The body weight of the experimental rats maintained on diet formulated with Afzelia africana seed oil was reduced compared to the rats fed with control diet. The plasma concentration of triglycerides and high density lipoprotein was not significantly different (p Afzelia africana oil-based diet. The decline in plasma total cholesterol levels suggests good quality of the oil. The various parameters investigated reveal the potentials of Afzelia africana seed oil and could serve as a good diet supplement.
Highlights
Afzelia africana plants are mostly cultivated in the Savannah, fringing forest and the drier parts of the forest regions of Africa
The body weight of the experimental rats maintained on diet formulated with Afzelia africana seed oil was reduced compared to the rats fed with control diet
Many researchers had carried out in-vitro analysis on Afzelia africana seeds but few researches had been done on the physicochemical properties of Afzelia africana oil and its plasma lipid profile
Summary
Afzelia africana plants are mostly cultivated in the Savannah, fringing forest and the drier parts of the forest regions of Africa. The tree is a widespread species with abroad rather open crown and massive branches (most readily recognized by the conspicuous hard blackish fruits), up to 30.5 m high and a girth up to 3 m It belongs to the family leguminosae and sub-family caesalpinaceae [1]. The link between dietary fats, especially edible oils and health has necessitated a growing research interest in many valuable oils [4] Some edible oils such as almond and avocado oil are good sources of vitamin A and E; canola oil obtained from rapeseeds, flax seed oil and soybean oil contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acid which lowers the risk and predisposition to cardiovascular diseases [5]. This study was carried out to assess the fatty acid composition, physicochemical properties of Afzelia africana seed oil and the effect of its oil-based diet on growth performance and plasma lipid profile of Wistar albino rats
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
