Arachis hypogaea (Peanut) Oil Supplementation Improves Haematological and Serum Lipid Profiles in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Arachis hypogaea (peanut) is an important oilseed crop rich in essential minerals, vitamins, and unsaturated fatty acids. Data on the haematological effects of its oil-rich fraction remain scarce, as most studies have focused on the whole seed or parts. This study evaluated the effects of peanut oil extract on haematological parameters and lipid profile in male Wistar rats. Methods: Locally sourced dried pulverised peanut seeds were extracted using maceration in n-hexane, concentrated to obtain the n-hexane oil extract of Arachis hypogaea (NHOEAH). Twenty male Wistar rats (180–200 g) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 5 per group). The control group received standard chow and water ad libitum, while treatment groups received NHOEAH at 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg body weight via daily oral gavage for 56 days. Haematological parameters were analysed using an automated haematology analyser, and lipid profile parameters were quantified using enzymatic colourimetric kits. Results: NHOEAH administration significantly increased packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, platelet count, white blood cell count, and lymphocyte count in a dose-dependent manner, with the most pronounced effects observed at 600 mg/kg (p< 0.05). Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) significantly decreased at 150 and 600 mg/kg (p< 0.05). Also, NHOEAH significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein, while increasing high-density lipoprotein levels. Furthermore, the atherogenic index and Castelli's risk indices I and II were significantly reduced across treatment groups compared to the control (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Supplementation with Arachis hypogaea oil extract enhances haematological indices, indicating a possible stimulatory effect on haematopoiesis, and improves the lipid profile, as evidenced by favourable cardioprotective indices. These experimental findings suggest that peanuts may serve as a functional food component for improving haematological and lipid profiles while reducing cardiovascular risk. This necessitates the need for a study using human cohorts.