Serum lipid and electrolyte profiles of Wistar rats fed with Vernonia amygdalina supplemented Vigna subterranea (Bambara groundnut) pudding

Objective: This study investigated the effects of Vernonia amygdalina supplementation on Vigna subterrenea (bambara groundnut) pudding on serum lipid profile and electrolyte levels in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty five weanling rats were randomly selected into 5 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 received normal rat pellet. Groups 2 and 3 received 10% and 5% (w/w) non supplemented bambara pudding, respectively. Groups 4 and 5 were fed with 10% and 5% (w/w) Vernonia supplemented bambara pudding, respectively, for 21 days. The animals were sacrificed using anaesthesia at the end of the experiment and blood sample collected for serum lipid profile and serum electrolyte determinations using standard methods. Results: There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in total cholesterol level in groups 2 (1.64 ± 0.01 mmol/L) and 4 (1.66 ± 0.01 mmol/L) compared to normal control (1.31 ± 0.02 mmol/L). Triacylglycerol level increased significantly in groups 2, 3, and 4 compared to normal control. The high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and Serum sodium level were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in group 2 and 4 respectively compared to the normal control. Potassium, chloride, bicarbonate and calcium levels showed significant increases in group 2 relative to normal control. Phosphate level decreased significantly in group 2 (1.37 ± 0.03 mmol/L), 3 (1.43 ± 0.03 mmol/L) and 5 (1.37 ± 0.03 mmol/L) when compared to normal control (1.75 ± 0.03 mmol/L) respectively. Conclusion: Consumption of bambara groundnut pudding supplemented with Vernonia leaves increases HDL-c level as well as supply appreciable amounts of electrolytes in the body.