EFFECT OF FRESH PALM OIL AND SHORT TIME REPEATEDLY HEATED PALM OIL ON HEPATO-RENAL FUNCTIONS IN WISTAR RATS

Abstract

Palm oil is a commonly consumed vegetable oil in most Nigerian and African homes, consumed either fresh or in thermo-oxidzed form. This study investigated the effects of fresh and thermo-oxidized palm oil (TPO) on some biochemical enzymes of liver and kidney function biomarkers in Wistar rats. Forty-nine Wistar rats weighing between 80-140 grammes were randomly assigned into seven groups of 6 animals each. The control group received standard animal feed and clean water only. The fresh palm oil groups received animal feed mixed with fresh palm oil in the ratio 98:2g; 96:4g and 94:6g respectively for each animal group. The TPO-fed groups received animal feed mixed with thermo-oxidized palm oil at the same ratios. The animals were fed ad libitum for 90 days. At the end of the feeding period, the animals were euthanized using ketamine vapour and blood was collected for assessment of some biochemical indices of liver and kidney function using standard methods. Results showed no significant differences (p>0.05) were observed in the serum AST levels across experimental groups compared to the controls. In conclusion, thermoxidation of palm oil and subsequent formulation in diets at 2-6% showed probable hepatoprotective action in Wistar rats.