Studies on the Oxidative Balance in Rats Maintained on Ripe Musa paradisiaca Peel

Abstract

The use of ripe Musa paradisiaca peel as a replacement for corn starch is promising as the search for alternative inexpensive feed sources are sought to reduce the cost of live stock production. However, the possible long term effects of the consumption remained unclear. This research was designed to investigate the oxidative balance in rats maintained on the ripe Musa paradisiaca peel. The peel was mixed with other ingredients to formulate four diets replacing cornstarch at 0%, 50%, 70% and 100%. Twenty-four weanling albino rats (33.43 g±4.41 g) were divided into four groups of equal average weight. The groups were then assigned to the four diets. Diet C (Control) contained 100% inclusion level of cornstarch. Diets P100, P70 and P50 respectively contained 100%, 70% and 50% inclusion levels of the peel. The rats were fed on their respective diets and water ad libitum. Growth response of the rats to the diets was computed. Superoxide dismutase activity, catalase activity and concentration of malondialdehyde in some organs of the rats were also evaluated using standard methods. The results revealed that feed intake, feed conversion ratio and average weekly weight gain were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the test diets. Diet based on 100% inclusion level caused significant (p<0.05) decrease in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and significant (p<0.05) increase in malondialdehyde concentration. Diet based on 70% inclusion level did not significantly (p>0.05) affect the superoxide dismutase activity, but caused significant (p<0.05) decrease in catalase activity and increase in malondialdehyde concentration. All the studied biochemical parameters were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by 50% inclusion level of the peel. It is our conclusion from the findings that up to 50% replacement of corn starch by the peel is safe for long term feeding of the animals and is as such recommended.