Nutritional evaluation and toxicological studies on microalgae [scenedesmus acutus] 276-3a

ABSTRACT

General chemical composition of fresh water green algae [Scenedesmus acutus strain 276-3a] was studied. The essential amino acid profile of algal protein demonstrated a high nutritive value of this algae. Two groups of rats were fed on diets supplemented with algae at two levels [10 percent and 20 percent] for four weeks, and another rat group received casein basal diet serving as control. No growth retarding substances or mortality effects were noticed in the two tested rat groups receiving diets supplemented with Scenedesmus. Hematological investigation indicated no abnormal adverse effects in all tested rat groups. In algae-fed rat groups, the relative organ weights of spleen and lungs significantly decreased, whilst, uterus and ovary of female rats significantly [P<0.05] increased as compared to the control animals. Serum biochemical examination demonstrated significant increase of urea, creatinine and cholesterol levels. Conversely, triglyceride level was markedly decreased. No significant changes were found in liver enzyme activities and blood glucose level in response to all treatments