Abstract
Parkia biglobosa seeds or African locust beans (ALB) were evaluated in the recovery of malnourished rats. Thirty apparently healthy rats of weight range (120-150g) were experimented after dividing them into five groups, A to E. The animals in Group A which served as control were placed on a balanced diet; group B placed on protein deficient diet by the reducing the daily average diet with no supplements while the animals in groups C, D and E were placed on protein deficient diet by the decrease reducing the average daily required diet supplemented with 10, 20 and 30% ALB respectively. The ALB proximate analysis showed high percentage of total protein and crude lipid. It also consisted of vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, C, D, E and lycopene. Other biochemical parameters analyzed were glucose, total protein, globulin, albumin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, urea and Na2+, Cl-, K+ and HCO3- respectively. The results showed that rats in group D and E had significantly higher (P<0.05) total protein and globulin values when compared to the non-supplemented (control) B. The animals in group D and E also showed higher percentage weight gains (P<0.05) when compared to the group B (control). The phytochemical analysis of fermented ALB showed the presence of alkaloids, cardenolides and saponins. The proximate and nutritional compositions of ALB could be the reason for its nutriceutical effects. Conclusively, the fermented Parkia biglobosa seeds when properly processed could serve as a supplement for treating malnutrition.