Thesis Abstract

<p> This study was on oxidative stress status of rat fed with Pentraclethra<br>macrophylla, otherwise known as African oil bean seed oil in English or Ugba in<br>Igbo. Sixteen male rats were distributed into four groups. 1 (control), then group 2,<br>3, and 4 as test groups. They were fed with their formulated meal (5%, 10%, 20%<br>inclussions) for 28 days. Group 1 was the control and were fed with the normal<br>feed, while group 2, 3 and 4 which were the test groups were fed with test feed<br>formula.. The parameters determined were MDA concentrations and catalase<br>activity. Serum MDA significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) while the catalase activity<br>significantly decreased (p&lt;0.05). This finding may be clinically significant to<br>individuals with predisposition to increased generation of reactive oxygen species<br>(ROS) and other degenerative diseases. <br></p>

Thesis Overview

<p> </p><p>1.0. INTRODUCTION<br>Ugba also called ukpaka is a popular food delicacy in Nigeria especially among<br>Igbo ethnic group. It is rich in protein and is obtained by a solid state fermentation<br>of the seed of African oil bean tree (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth).<br>The natural fermentation of the seed which at present is still done at the house-hold<br>level, renders the production nutritious, palatable and non-toxic (Enujiugha, 2002).<br>Its production, like many African fermented foods depends, entirely on mixed<br>fermentation by microorganism from diverse source.<br>Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth is a large woody plant abundant in the rain forest<br>areas of west and central Africa. It’s origin in Nigeria is believed to be around<br>1937 (Ladipo, 1984); where it is found in the South Nigeria, (Mbajunwa et al.,<br>1998).<br>―Ugba‖ Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth belongs to the Family Leguminosae and<br>sub-family Microsoideae (Keay, 1989 and NFTA, 1995).<br>Ugba seeds are irregular and oval; they are flat, black and hard pods. It is<br>composed of oil, protein and small amounts of carbohydrate (Obeta, 1982).<br>1.1 AIM AND OBJECTIVES<br>(i) To determine the concentration of Malondialdehyde (MDA, which indicates<br>the peroxidation status) and<br>(ii) The activity of Catalase (a marker of antioxidant status) in the serum of rats<br>fed graded doses of African oil bean seed meal</p><div><div></div></div><br> <br><p></p>