University of Zululand
Effects of Citrullus lanatus seed (Egusi) protein isolate on lipid peroxidation in malnourished rat fed on high fat diets
Abstract
dc:description.abstractProteins play vital role in the normal physiology of an individual and the deficiency of it in the diet leads to many conditions often referred to as PEM. Due to high mortality rate among PEM children around the world, programs are aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of such vulnerable children. Animal proteins still remain the best source of good quality protein; however, those that are highly susceptible to PEM cannot afford protein of animal origin. There is need, therefore, to look at readily available proteins of plant origin. The potential of Citrullus lanatus (Egusi) seeds protein isolate, as an alternate protein source, on malnourished rats was investigated. De-hulled, deffated egusi seeds were extracted with water (pH 10). The extracted proteins were precipitated at pH 5, centrifuged and freeze-dried to obtain the protein isolate. Proximate composition shows that egusi seed isolate is rich in protein (63.4 %), and minerals. Functional properties indicate that the protein isolate has good oil absorbability and water binding capacity. The amino acid composition revealed the presence of a wide spectrum of essential amino acids. The administration of the protein isolate (20% incorporated into low diet) to malnourished rats resulted in the alleviation of the detrimental effects associated with protein malnutrition. The variables investigated were the serum enzymes (ALP, AST, ALT, GGT, LDH), serum lipid (cholesterol, TAG), haematological parameter (WBC, RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, Platelets, Neutrophils, Monocytes, Lymphocytes, LUC, Eosinophils, Basophils), and the histology of the liver and kidney. It is concluded that egusi protein isolate could be a candidate in the search for solution to PEM.
Degree
thesis:*- Grantor dc:publisher.institution
- University of Zululand
- Year dc:date.issued
- 2012
Author and committee
dc:creator, dc:contributor.*- Author dc:creator
-
- Ogunyinka, Bolajoko Idiat
- Advisor dc:contributor.advisor
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- Opoku, A.R.