Effect of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato Leaves on Liver Function and Kidney Function Parameters in Experimental Rats
Abstract
Abraham Aluyor, Iserhienrhien Osafanme Lucky and Eseosa Asezebhobor
Orange fleshed sweet potato leaves (OFSP) are special type of bio-fortified sweet potato that contains high level of beta- carotene. It is a good source of dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. This study evaluated the liver status and kidney status of rats fed with orange fleshed sweet potato leaves (OFSP) and fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis). Thirty (30) Wistar rats were used for this experiment. The rats were categorized into five (5) groups; group 1 is the control (0% orange fleshed sweet potato leaves), group 2, 3 and 4 received 25%, 50% and 100% of orange fleshed sweet potato leaves (OFSP) formulated diet respectively and group 5 received 100% Pumpkin leaves supplemented diet which in turn served as the positive control group. After six weeks samples were collected and assayed for liver function enzymes; Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and renal function parameters; Creatinine, urea, sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), bicarbonate(HCO-3) and chloride (Cl- ). The result from the biochemical studies showed that there was a significant increase (P< 0.05) in the levels of total protein and albumin in rats fed with 50% and 100% orange fleshed sweet potato leaves. However, group 2 (25% OFSP formulated diet) induced a statistical decrease and not a significant difference in the enzyme activity of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP). In addition, there was also a statistical difference in ALT levels between rats fed with 50% and 100% OFSP.
There was a significant difference (P< 0.05) in potassium and bicarbonate ions levels between the group fed 50% OFSP as compared to the others groups. Thus, orange fleshed sweet potato leaves can be used to manage hepatocellular damage and kidney disease.