Abstract

Effects of defatted mango (Mangifera indica) and wild mango (Irvingia gabonensis, Irvingia wombolu) kernels in substituted diets of commercial feed, on weight and plasma lipid profile were analysed using Wistar rats after 21-day feeding. Lipid profiling was conducted using enzymatic/colorimetric techniques. The substitution with each kernel type in the commercial feed was 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%. Diet substitution of up to 75% inversely correlated with weight gained (P<0.05). Up to 50% diet substitution was over 93% acceptable for consumption by the animals. Lipid profile analysis indicated that total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) decreased with increasing diet substitution. The reverse was observed with HDL. TG increased up to 50% defatted M. indica kernel (DMIK) substitution and 25% defatted I. gabonensis kernel (DIGK)/defatted I. wombolu kernel (DIWK) but decreased thereafter. LDL/Cholesterol degradation could have increased TG level and possibly inhibited at higher diet substitutions due to increased residual polyphenolic substances present in the kernel samples. These variables also significantly improved the lipid profile status of the experimental animals (P<0.05).

Key words: Lipid profile, Mangifera indica, Irvingia gabonensis, Irvingia wombolu, cholesterol.