Effect of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) consumption on biomarkers of oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats

This study investigated the effect of consumption of diet supplemented with Bambara-groundnut (BGN) on some biomarkers of oxidative stress in diabetic induced rats. A total of 24 apparently healthy adult albino wistar rats were assembled and divided into 4 groups A-D; group A (Non diabetic rats, fed on normal diet), B (Diabetic rats fed on normal diet), C (Diabetic rats fed on 10% Bambara-groundnut diet), D (Diabetic rats fed on Nitrogen free diet) with each group consisting of 6 rats respectively.  After 4 weeks of feeding, rats were sacrificed and blood collected into heparin container and used for laboratory analysis. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPER), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) were assayed for using standard laboratory methods. The result showed that Group C rats had the lowest post-feeding glucose concentration (75 mg/dl). AST, ALT, and ALP were elevated in diabetic induced rats; but, treatment with Bambara-groundnut diet reversed the parameters close to control. The highest levels of SOD and GSHPER were found in group C rats while the group B rats had the highest oxidative stress. It can be concluded that Bambara-groundnut diet modulated and ameliorated the oxidative stress in diabetic rats.