Abstract

The effect of African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) on serum calcium, inorganic phosphate, alkaline phosphatase and uric acid concentration was investigated. Eighteen male Wister albino rats were used for the experiment. The rats were divided into three groups of six rats each viz: the Baseline, Test and Control. The test group was fed with a diet prepared with 16% African yam bean, 50% maize flour, 23% groundnut cake and 10% fishmeal. The Control group received a diet without Africa yam bean but containing other components. The Baseline group was sacrificed at the onset of the study to ascertain the initial conditions. The study lasted for twenty eight days after which the serum calcium, inorganic phosphate, alkaline phosphatase and uric acid levels were estimated. The inorganic phosphate and alkaline phosphatase of the test group showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase with the values; 25.154 ± 4.329 and 506.00 ± 51.594 respectively compared to those of the Baseline and Control groups. Also there were significant (p < 0.05) reductions of the serum concentration of calcium and uric acid of the test group compared to those of the Baseline and Control groups. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the serum levels of calcium, alkaline phosphatase, inorganic phosphate and uric acid of the Baseline and Control groups. These observed effects of African yam bean has gone a long way to provide an insight into the pharmacological potentials of this legume especially in the management of gout and arthritis in addition to the already known nutritional properties.

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