Modulatory effect of fermented Tetracarpidium conophorum (African walnut) supplemented diet on cadmium-induced toxicity in rats

• Published in: Food Research (Online) Vol. 6; no. 1; pp. 223 - 232
• Main Authors: Alejolowo, O.O., Anointing, P.E., Nwonuma, C.O., Awakan, O.J., Adeyemi, O.S., Ojo, O.A., Evbuomwan, I.O., Olaniran, A.F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 13-02-2022
• ISSN: 2550-2166; 2550-2166
• DOI: 10.26656/fr.2017.6(1).683

Tetracarpidium conophorum (African Walnut) is a plant with acclaimed multi-therapeutic
properties in different parts of the plant. This research investigated the effect of fermented
walnut supplemented diet on cadmium-induced toxicity in the liver and brain of rats.
Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of five animals each weighing
between 90-140 g. Group 1 received 5 mg/kg body weight cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and
normal rat feed. Group 2 received a normal rat diet while groups 3 and 4 received 5 mg/kg
body weight of cadmium chloride, and 5% and 10% walnut supplemented feed
respectively. Cadmium (Cd) was administered daily for 6 weeks by oral intubation. Rats
were sacrificed 24 hrs after the final treatment. Cd exposure elicited increased activities
of Acetylcholinesterase, Superoxide dismutase, Catalase as well as elevated Glutathione
levels. In addition, Cd exposure caused increases in rat plasma cholesterol and triglyceride
concentration. The fermented walnut supplemented diet restored some rats’ biochemical
parameter to near normal comparable to control. Our study shows that walnut
supplemented food could substantially moderate Cd-induced toxicity in rat liver and brain
while providing health and nutritional benefits. Hence, it could be useful for
occupationally exposed individuals as a dietary intervention to reduce adverse health
effects.