Effect of Consuming Different Varieties of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea) Seeds on Glycaemia and Lipid Profile of Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Background: Bambara groundnut seed is reported to possess high fibre and good nutritional content, and is locally used as a daily dietary therapy by diabetic patients in northern Nigeria. The plant seeds are of different varieties and whether the antidiabetic effect may vary with the varieties is largely unknown. This has prompted the current study to investigate effect of consuming different varieties of Bambara groundnut seeds on glycaemia and lipid profile of diabetic and non-diabetic rats.
 Materials and Methods: Bambara groundnut seed’s varieties were processed into flour and use in formulating feeds which were given to diabetic and non-diabetic rats as follows; group A (ALK01 feed), group B (ALK02 feed), group C (ALK03 feed), group D (ALK04 feed), group E (Basal feed), and group F (Normal animal’s feed) for 28 days during which blood glucose and weights were measured weekly while lipid profile was assayed at the end of the study.
 Results: The result of the study showed continuous increase in glycemic levels for diabetic rats fed basal and normal feeds compared to those fed plant seed formulated feeds. While, glycemic levels for non-diabetic rats fed plant seed formulated feeds, normal or basal feeds remain within normal range. The lipid components of diabetic rats fed basal and normal feeds were elevated and are significantly different (P<.05) from those fed plant seed formulated feeds.
 Conclusion: The study concluded that consumption of different varieties of Bambara groundnut seed could ameliorate hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia by a variety dependent manner. 
 Keywords: Bambara groundnut, seed varieties, effect, glycaemia, lipid profile, rats