This study investigated changes in cholesterol levels and haematological parameters of rats subjected to diets supplemented with kidney bean seeds. The seeds were processed in three parts; the first part was milled raw; the second part was boiled, dried and milled; third part was germinated, dried and milled. The kidney bean seed flour was incorporated into the diet of different groups of rats at 10% inclusion. Thirty male rats were assigned into 5 groups (n=6); and fed for 30 days: A-normal diet, no cholesterol; B, normal diet + cholesterol; C, cholesterol diet+ raw kidney bean; D, cholesterol diet+ boiled kidney bean; E, cholesterol diet+ germinated kidney bean. At the end of the feeding trial, the rats were sacrificed; blood was taken from the jugular vein to determine some lipid and haematological parameters. The values for the plasma lipid profile for rats in groups D and E were significantly lower (p<0.05) than that of the control; TC (122.26 ± 0.30 and 120.20 ± 0.12 vs 136.82±0.37 mg/dl); TAG (102.72 ± 0.22 and 100.37 ± 0.37 vs 113.98 ± 0.16 mg/dl); LDLC (56.89 ± 0.24 and 44.00 ± 0.12 vs 74.45 ± 0.31 mg/dl); phospholipids (143.66 ± 0.81 and 145.11 ± 0.55 vs 154.39 ± 0.22 mg/dl), the same groups had significantly higher values (p<0.05) of HDLC (46.03±0.34 and 57.04±0.34 vs 39.11±0.46 mg/dl).  Similar trend was found in the liver tissue. Haematological values were significantly higher (p<0.05) in groups D and E rats than in control, PCV (43.60±0.25 and 44.00±0.32 vs 37.80±0.20) %; Hb (14.14±0.05 and14.58±0.04 vs12.20±0.06) mg/dl; RBC (5.82±0.07 and 6.01±0.04 vs 5.02±0.01) x109/L; MCV (75.17±0.62 and 78.78±0.36 vs 67.37±0.55) fl. Processed kidney bean based diet could reduce cholesterol concentrations in plasma and liver of rats and improve their haematological parameters.

 

Key words: Kidney bean, cholesterol, lipid parameters, haematology, plasma, liver.