Toxicological Assessment of Wistar Rats Fed with Feed Fortified with Processed Breadfruit

Background: The seed of breadfruit is a major food consumed in some parts of Nigeria. It has been identified as an important leguminous food that is highly rich in carbohydrates and protein with abundant minerals and vitamins and is known to contain important anti-nutrients.

Aim: This study aims to assess the possible toxicological effect of feed fortified with cooked, parboiled, and grilled breadfruit on the liver and kidney function parameters of Wistar rats.

Method: Kidney and liver function tests were carried out using standard diagnostic methods.

Results: The results of the kidney function test carried out revealed that feed fortified with 30% cooked and parboiled breadfruit showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in the creatinine level while a significant increase (p<0.05) in the Urea level was observed in all the groups fed with the processed breadfruit with respect to the normal control group. The liver function test carried out showed an increase (p<0.05) in Alanine Transaminase (ALT) activity in the group fortified with 30% cooked breadfruit, a significant increase in Aspartate Transaminase (AST) activity (p<0.05) in all fortified groups with an exception to the group fortified with 30% cooked breadfruit. A significant increase (p<0.05) in Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was seen in the group fortified with 50% grilled breadfruit.

Conclusion: The rise in the level of kidney function parameters and liver function enzymes in the blood of the rats fed with feeds fortified with processed breadfruit is an indication that prolonged consumption of breadfruit may have an adverse effect on the renal and hepatic function.