Short-Term Administration of Thaumatococcus daniellii (Benn.) Benth Fruit Pulp Leads to Dyslipidaemia and Liver Dysfunction in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Thaumatin extraction from Thaumatococcus daniellii fruit leads to the generation of substantial waste, largely made up of the fruit’s pulp. This study's objective was to determine the short-term administrative effect of T. daniellii fruit pulp ethanol extract (TDFPE) in male Wistar rats.
Methods: Thirty animals were designated into five groups. Group 1 was administered distilled water (1 mL/kg bw), while groups 2 – 5 were administered vitamin C (10 mg/kg bw), 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg bw TDFPE for 14 days, respectively. Liver function, antioxidant, lipid profiles and liver histology were assessed using standard methods.
Results: TDFPE treatment significantly increased (p˂0.05) hepatic SOD activity, GSH and MDA concentration compared to vitamin C and normal control groups. An increase (p˂0.05) was seen in plasma TRIG and LDL concentration while HDL level was reduced (p˂0.05) in TDFPE-treated rats compared to vitamin C-treated rats and those in the normal control group. Plasma activities of ALT, AST and BIL concentration were significantly (p˂0.05) increased in TDFPE-treated groups compared with the normal control group. Liver histology showed periportal infiltration by inflammatory cells and oedematous sinusoids after TDFPE treatment.
Conclusion: Thus, T. daniellii fruit pulp administration at the studied dosages and time frame may exacerbate oxidative stress, dyslipidaemia and induce hepatic injury.