DIETARY PERIWINKLE AND ASSOCIATED EFFECT ON SOME SERUM BIOMARKERS OF LIVER FUNCTION

Archibong N. Archibong, Solomon A. Leilei, Akaninyene U. Ime*, Joffa P. Kwaku and Mobisson S. Kelechi

ABSTRACT

Dietary periwinkle (Tympanotonus fuscatus) is natural seafood with very rich vitamins and nutrients, but there is little or no literature on its effect on different biomarkers of liver function, hence the need for this study. Twenty one albino Wistar rats weighing between 200-250g were assigned into 3 groups of 7 rats each, housed singly in metabolic cages. Rats in control group took normal rat pellet and drinking water ad libitum. The 2 test groups were administered two different doses (low dose (7.0mg/kg b. w) and high dose (52mg/kg b. w) of periwinkle extract. At the end of six weeks feeding period, blood samples were obtained from all the rats via cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. The liver was also harvested for histological study. The result of the analysis showed that rats placed on both the low and high doses of the extract had significant increases in total protein (p<0.001) and globulin (p<0.001) compared with control group. The extract fed rats also had significantly reduced ALT (P<0.001) and ALP (P<0.001) levels compared with the control. The extract had no effect on the cytoarchitecture of the liver. This study has therefore revealed that consumption of Tympanotonus fuscatus has no adverse effect on health but rather offers a protection, as reflected by the result of the serum protein, serum enzyme and even the histological studies. In conclusion, dietary periwinkle (Tympanotonus fuscatus) extract has hepato-protective potentials and its consumption should therefore be encouraged.

Keywords: Periwinkle, Liver, Enzymes, Proteins, Omega 3 fatty acid.