Antinutrient, Biochemical and Histopathological Study of Hunteria umbellata Seed Extract on the Blood, Liver and Kidney of Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

The antinutritional composition, mineral bioavailability, and subacute toxicological effects of the methanolic seed extract of Hunteria umbellata on Wistar albino rats were determined using standard analytical methods. Mineral bioavailability was assessed using phytate-mineral and oxalate-mineral molar ratios, while the toxicological evaluation involved oral administration of the extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight for 21 days, followed by biochemical, haematological, and histopathological assessments. The results showed low concentrations of phytate (2.72 ± 0.02 mg/100g), oxalate (1.09 ± 0.05 mg/100g), tannin (5.28 ± 0.16 mg/100g), and saponin (2.57 ± 0.09 mg/100g), while alkaloid was the predominant antinutrient (8.45 ± 0.01 mg/100g). Mineral bioavailability indices, including phytate/zinc (0.068), phytate/iron (0.026), calcium/phytate (66.61), and oxalate/calcium (0.003), were below the critical values, indicating minimal interference with mineral absorption and high bioavailability of essential minerals. Biochemical analysis revealed serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities ranging from 80.11 ± 1.46 to 94.97 ± 1.46 Units/litre, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities ranging from 60.47 ± 2.91 to 70.13 ± 2.50 Units/litre, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities ranging from 33.60 ± 1.41 to 39.30 ± 0.71 Units/litre, respectively, suggesting preservation of hepatic function. Kidney function indices showed reduced serum urea levels ranging from 41.93 ± 3.93 to 51.86 ± 4.76 mmol/litre, with a moderate increase in creatinine concentration at higher doses, ranging from 72.41 ± 3.08 to 85.31 ± 2.01 mmol/litre; severe renal impairment was not evident, while chloride ion levels ranged from 59.92 ± 0.59 to 77.50 ± 0.94 mg/dL. Haematological evaluation demonstrated an increase in red blood cell count, ranging from 3.60 ± 0.46 to 6.45 ± 0.50 cells/µL, and haemoglobin concentration (4.10 ± 0.28-9.05 ± 1.06 g/dL), indicating a possible haematopoietic effect of the extract. Histopathological examination revealed moderate alterations in renal and hepatic tissues at higher doses. However, the findings suggest that Hunteria umbellata seeds possess low levels of antinutritional factors, favourable mineral bioavailability, and relatively low toxicity at the tested doses, supporting their nutritional potential and suggesting no detrimental effects on the major organs studied when consumed at these doses.