Effect of colocasia esculenta [Taro cocoyam] based diets on hepatic cholesterol and phospholipid levels in albino rats

ABSTRACT

Fifty albino rats randomly distributed into 5 groups of 10 rats each, were respectively fed growers mash as the control diet, 25% and 50% sun-dried, fried taro [Colocasia esculenta], and 25% and 50% sun-dried, unfried taro supplemented diets for 30 days. Hepatic cholesterol and phospholipid concentrations were measured colorimetrically. There were statistically significant changes in the body weight of the animals over time, with significant lower body weight gain in the animals fed the experimental diets than those on control diet [P < 0.05]. There were also statistical significant increase and decrease in the mean feed intake of the animals fed fried taro and unfried taro diets respectively, in comparison with those on control diet [P < 0.05]. Significant decreases in hepatic total, free and esterified cholesterol concentrations as well as in the hepatic phospholipid levels were observed in the animals fed taro supplemented diets [P < 0.05]. Diet supplementation with fried taro cormels can be recommended for reduction and maintenance of low hepatic lipid concentrations