NaHCO3 treatment potentiates the nutritional qualities and androgenic capabilities of bambara (Vigna subterranean L. Verdc) groundnut seeds

Abstract

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean L. Verdc) is a legume crop cultivated by few indigenous subsistence farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Using established procedures, we investigated the effects of alkaline treatment towards improving the nutritional qualities of these groundnut seeds, and also in enhance the hematological and androgenic capabilities in 6 groups of male Wistar rats fed for 28 days with varied proportions at 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, and 90% of NaHCO3 -treated seeds mixed with basal diet. There were significant increases in several micro- and macro- nutrients and hematological (hemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) and androgenic (testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone) indicators, when compared to the control group (0%). More importantly, the 70 and 90% fed groups showed significant reduction in the number of abnormal/dead sperm cells with improved sperm cell qualities, in terms of pH, minerals and vitamins. NaHCO3 treatment of Bambara groundnut seeds may therefore provide additional enhancement of the nutritional values, and the consumption could improve vitality and virility. Thus, it will be imperative if this is applied towards formulation of functional foods that can be useful in addressing the associated health challenges and/or malnutrition in developing countries.