Wild Mango (Irvingia Wombolu) Kernel: Proximate Composition, Mineral Content and Haematological Profile of Wistar Albino Rat

Abstract

Irvingia wombolu kernel (±testa) was initially analysed for proximate and mineral composition. Thereafter, the powder and oil extract were separately mixed with a commercial animal feed to study the haematological profile of wistar. albino rats fed for three weeks at dosage of 67mg/kg body weight. Blood samples were collected in heparinized bottles for examination. Results indicated that the presence of testa influenced significantly (P≥0.05) the crude fat and mineral contents. There was preponderance of phosphorus (283-310ppm), potassium (252-261ppm) and magnesium (105-123ppm). Furthermore, virtually all the treated animal groups exhibited higher packed cell volume (PCV) and platelet count, with concomitant lower mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) when compared with the control group. These parameters showed positive correlation with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) values for the oil treated groups and the control. No significant difference (P≤ 0.05) was observed in the white blood cells (WBC) of all sample groups including the control, while their respective normocyte, lymphocyte and eosinophil concentrations followed similar ratios. Furthermore, there was no detectable basophil. Testa had no significant effect on the haematological parameters examined. It was concluded that regular consumption of I. wombolu by man for dietary reason could have concomitant clinical and beneficial effects.