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Assessment of some Biomarkers in Liver, Kidney and Stomach
Following Pineapple Juice Administration
Oyesola T.O.1, Oyesola O.A.2, Odukoya S.O.A.*3 and Adelodun S.T. 3
1Department of Anatomy, Ben Carson (Snr.) School of Medicine, Babcock University,
Ilisan Remo, Nigeria.
2Department of Physiology, Ogun State University, Ikene, Nigeria
3Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
tolusoji2001@yahoo.com, olusoji.oyesola@yahoo.com, adeloduntaiye@gmail.com
goshevnigeria@yahoo.com*
Keywords: Physiochemical, Pineapple juice, Stomach, Kidney, Liver, Hematology, Cholesterol.
Abstract. This study looked into the physiochemical assessment of kidney, liver and stomach
following pineapple juice (PJ) administration in normal Wistar rats. Thirty-two young male Wistar
rats weighing between 180 - 200 g were used for this study. The juice was administered through
oral cannula for 30 days. The animals were grouped into four (A-D). Group A received 3 ml of
distilled water (Control), Group B received 3 ml/kg PJ, Group C received 6 ml/kg PJ administered
at 3 ml twice daily and Group D received 9 ml/kg PJ at 3 ml three times daily for one month. Blood
samples were collected a day post-administration through cardiac puncture for hematological and
biochemical studies. Mucosal tissues were scraped from the stomach and homogenized to check for
total protein and some other gastric enzymes. The study showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in
cholesterol and triglycerides (113.4 ± 1.60-104.4 ± 1.66 and 104.4 ± 1.66-74.0 ± 2.95) while low
density and high density lipoproteins showed no significant difference. Electrolyte concentrations of
sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, urea and creatinine showed significant decreases. Liver
enzyme parameters were significantly increased (P > 0.05) for ALP (40.0 ± 4.05 -79.4 ± 6.61 IU/L),
AST (115.2 ± 1.46-178.4 ± 2.00 IU/L), ALT (86.0 ± 2.68-72.2 ± 3.90 IU/L) and ALB (3.16 ± 0.09 -
3.84 ± 0.02 IU/L). Results of Total Protein showed a significant increase while bilirubin is
insignificantly different compared with the control. Results for SOD, TBAR, CATAL and MDA
showed no significant differences. The study revealed that the hematological parameters assayed:
Hb (11.85 ± 2.0 - 14.12 ± 1.5 g/100 ml), RBC count (6.27 ± 0.1-9.92 ± 1.5×106/mm3) and Total
WBC counts (2.35 ± 0.6 - 4.47 ± 0.5 × 103/mm3) were significantly higher (P < 0.05). We
concluded that the oral administration of PJ to Wistar rats for one month is beneficial by reducing
cholesterol level and some toxic gastric enzymes. It also increased hematopoietic outputs, and
served as an immune booster judging from the Total WBC count results while its effect on liver
function is minimal based on this present study.
INTRODUCTION
Pineapple (Ananas comosus), is a tropical plant with edible multiple fruit consisting of coalesced
berries, named for resemblance to the pine cone, it is the most economically important plant in the
Bromeliaceae family [1].
Hundred grams (100 g) of fresh ripe pineapple was reported by [2] to contain; Water (86.5 g),
Energy (49 kcal), Fat (0.43 g), Protein (0.39 g), Carbohydrate (12.39 g), Fiber (1.2 g), Potassium
(1.3 mg), Iron (0.37 mg), Selenium (0.6 mcg), Vitamin C (15.4 mg), Vitamin A (23 UI), Vitamin B
(0.092 mg), Vitamin B2, (0.036 mg), Vitamin E (0.10 mg), Niacin (0.42 mg), Folic Acid (11 mcg)
and Zinc (0.08 mg) [3].
Pineapple juice was reported to have huge nutritive and medicinal value or properties that can be
linked to its various compositions. It has the ability to digest food by breaking down protein
because it contains proteolytic enzyme called Bromelain [4,5].
International Journal of Pharmacology, Phytochemistry and Ethnomedicine Submitted: 2016-06-29
ISSN: 2297-6922, Vol. 4, pp 27-35 Accepted: 2016-07-22
doi:10.18052/www.scipress.com/IJPPE.4.27 Online: 2016-08-10
© 2016 SciPress Ltd., Switzerland
SciPress applies the CC-BY 4.0 license to works we publish: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Some of the reported properties include anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and anti-helmintic agents.
The root of pineapple was used as decoction to treat diarrhea. It helps to fight infection by
dissolving layers of slough and bacterial rich surfaces. It was reported that it clears bronchial
passages in those suffering with pneumonia and bronchitis. Similarly, it reduced symptoms of
arthritis, pains after surgery and sports injuries [6-9]. Pineapple juice in diet, was reported to
naturally reduce the amount of cholesterol in bloodstream [4,5].
Vitamin B1 or thiamine, found in pineapples was reported to allow cells of the body to convert
carbohydrates into energy, promotes the function of the heart, muscle and nervous system and also
crucial for red blood cell formation [2].
Trace elements found in pineapple including manganese was reported to promote formation of
bone, and creation and activation\ of certain enzymes. Copper, another trace mineral assists in the
absorption of iron and regulation of blood pressure and heart rate. Fibers in pineapple was reported
to lower blood cholesterol, which reduces the risks of heart disease, diabetes, constipation,
metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, excess abdominal weight and high triglyceride levels [2].
In another study reported by Rajendra et al., (2012), pineapple’s medicinal properties were
attributed to Bromelain; which is a crude extract from pineapple [10]. It was chemically known
since 1875. It contains compounds that are related to proteinases and has fibrinolytic, anti-
edematous, anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory activities, both in-vivo and in-vitro [11-12].
The concentration of Bromelain is high in the pineapple stem unlike the fruit which is used as food
[13]. Therapeutic benefits associated to Bromelain include its curative activities in reversible
platelet aggregation inhibition, sinusitis and surgical traumas, thrombophlebitis, pyelonephritis,
angina pectoris, bronchitis, and enhanced absorption of drugs, particularly of antibiotics [14-15].
Bromelain was recommended as a supportive therapeutic approach during the treatment of chronic
inflammatory, malignant and auto-immune disease [16]. Animal in-vitro experiment showed its
ability to modulate surface adhesion of T cells, macrophages and natural killer cells among others
[17-23].
It was reported that fruits and vegetables consumption promotes good health; therefore, wide
publicity and recommendation were given for their consumption because they have been implicated
for their health promoting properties in most developed countries [24]. The performance and
efficiency of any body system is a function of the activities going on within the vital organs of the
body system. The performance of these vital organs had been evaluated by some biological
markers.
The levels of the following biomarkers were reported in the evaluation of liver performance;
Bilirubin, Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase, and Alkaline phosphatase [25-27].
Osuala et al., 2014 reported the evaluation of kidney performance by the level of Urea, Uric acid
and creatine among others [28].
In view of the above considerations this study was conducted to evaluate the possible effects of
pineapple juice administration on the Liver, kidney and the stomach of male Wistar rats with
references to the lipid profile, organ weight and body mass index.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Preparation of Pineapple Juice (PJ): The pineapple fruits were obtained from the new Benin
market in Edo state of Nigeria. The juice was extracted with a juice extractor after peeling. The
coring and macerating of the pineapple fruit was done by the juice extractor. The juice was
collected, stored in a clean bottle and kept inside a refrigerator (deep freezer) for preservation
before administration to the rats following the method of [29].
Animal Grouping and administration of PJ: Thirty-two young male Wistar rats weighing
between 180 – 200 g were used for this study. The animals were obtained from a reputable animal
house in Benin, Edo state Nigeria. They were transferred to the animal house of Igbinedion
University Okada. They were kept in separate cages of eight animals per cage constituting a group.
They were allowed four weeks to acclimatize, prior to the commencement of the experiment. The
28 Volume 4
animals in each group were labeled from A to D. Group A was the control group for this study,
given free access to water under standard condition of temperature and humidity. Group A animals
received 3 ml/kg of distilled water, Group B received 3 ml/kg of pineapple juice, Group C received
6 ml/kg of pineapple juice administered 3 ml twice daily and Group D received 9 ml/kg of
pineapple juice at 3 ml thrice daily using oral cannula for 30 days.
Collection of Blood Sample: Blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture under
anaesthesia (Sodium Pentobarbital) at 60 mg/kg body weight intra-peritoneally. The blood samples
were stored in heparinized tubes, centrifuged and the serum kept in a plain bottle stored in freezer
for further processing.
Stomach Tissue Collection and Preparation: The mucosal tissue from each animal was scraped
from the stomach with a blunt knife, the tissue was weighed and transferred to the ice-cooled test
tubes for homogenization. The homogenate was then centrifuged at 12,000 rpm at 4◦C for 10 min.
Supernatant aliquot was decanted and stored in a freezer for determination of total protein (TP),
Catalase (CAT), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Malondialdehyde (MDA).
Total Protein Content Determination: The total protein content of the blood and the stomach
tissue were estimated by the method of Lowry et al., (1951) using bovine serum albumin as a
standard [30].
Catalase Activity Determination: Catalase activty was determined in the blood and the stomach
tissue according to the procedure of Goth (1991) by following the absorbance of hydrogen peroxide
at 230 nm at pH 7.0 [31].
Superoxide Dismutase Activity Determination: The activity of SOD was determined by
measuring the inhibition of autooxidation of epinephrine at pH 10.2 at 300C by the method of Misra
and Fridovich (1972) [32] One unit of SOD activity represents the amount of SOD necessary to
cause 50% inhibition of adrenaline autooxidation.
Malondialdehyde Level Determination: Lipid peroxidation of the blood and the tissue were
determined spectrophotochemiocally at 533 nm and MDA concentration was quantified by using
the molar extinction coefficient, 1.56 x 105mol-1Ecm-1 [33].
Lipid Profile Determination
Determination of Total Cholesterol: The total cholesterol concentration of the sample was
estimated according to the enzymatic method (PAPS Protocol) of Agappe Diagnostics Kit, India.
Organ weight Determination: The weight of Liver, Kidney and Stomach were determined per
gramm body weight.
Urea Level Determination: Urea was assayed according to the method described in Randox urea
kits. 2.50 ml of reagents 1, 2 and 3 were added to 10 micro litter of plasma sample and were mixed
immediately and incubated at 37 0C for 10 minutes. The absorbance of plasma sample and standard
were measured against the blank at 546 nm.
Creatinine Level Determination: Creatinine was assayed according to the method described in
Randox kits. 2.0ml of working reagent was added to 0.2 ml of plasma. This was measured against
the blank containing standard solution. It was mix and after 30 seconds, the absorbance of A1 of the
standard and plasma were read at 492 nm. Exactly 2 minutes later, absorbance of A2 of standard
and plasma were read at 492 nm.
Electrolyte Level Determination: Sodium, Potassium, Bicarbonate and Chloride concentration
Sera sample from the centrifuge blood was used for the analysis according to the method descibed
by Abubakar and Sule (2010) [34]. Serum sodium and potassium concentrations were determined
using flame emission photometry method of Magoshes and Vallee (1956) [35], which was based on
the dissolution of solution containing these elements by a flame, leaving solid (salts), which
dissociates to neutral ground state atoms. These atoms become excited in the flame, thus moving to
a higher energy state and the excited atoms fall back to the ground state, light of characteristic
International Journal of Pharmacology, Phytochemistry and Ethnomedicine
Vol. 4
29
wavelength is emitted (590 nm for sodium and 770 nm for potassium). This light then passes
through a suitable filter onto a photosensitive element and the amount of current produced is
measured and this is proportioned to the amount of sodium or potassium present in the original
sample. Serum chloride concentration was determined using the titration method of Schales and
Schales (1941) [36]. The method is based on the precipitation of chloride ions in serum using
mercuric nitrate. When chloride ion is titrated with standard solution of mercuric ion undissociated
but soluble mercuric chloride, HgCl2, is formed. The excess mercuric nitrate reacts with
diphenylcarbazone to produce a violet colour. Titration method of Van Slyke and Neil (1924) [37]
was employed in determining the concentration of bicarbonate ion in sera samples. The method is
based on the release of carbon dioxide from bicarbonate ion in serum with dilute hydrochloric acid.
The excess acid was then titrated with sodium hydroxide using phenol red as indicator.
Liver Enzymes Determination: The activities of liver enzymes such as AST, ALT and ALP were
determined using diagnostic kits. Albumin was determined by the bromocresol green method [38],
bilirubin was estimated by the method described by Jendrassik and Grof (1938) [39]. Alanine and
Aspartate aminotransferases were determined based on the colorimetric measurement of hydrazone
formed with 2, 4 dinitrophenyl hydrazine [40], alkaline phosphatase by the phenolphthalein
monophosphate method (Babson, 1965) [41].
Determination of Serum Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) activity
This was carried out according to the method of Reitman and Frankel (1957) [40]. Diluted sample
(0.01mL) was mixed with phosphate buffer (100mM, pH 7.4), L-alanine (200mM) and the mixture
was incubated for exactly 30 minutes at 37 0C. 0.5 ml of 2, 4 dinitrophenylhydrazine (2mM) was
added to the reaction mixture and allowed to stand for exactly 20 minutes at 25 0C. Then 5ml of
NaOH (0.4 M) was added and the absorbance was read against reagent blank after 5 minutes at
546 nm. Reagent blank was prepared as described above by replacing sample with 0.1 ml of
distilled water.
Determination of Serum Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) activity
This was carried out according to the method of Reitman and Frankel (1957) [40]. Briefly, 0.1ml of
diluted sample was mixed with phosphate buffer (100 mM, pH 7.4), L-asparatate (100 mM), and α-
Oxoglutarate (2 mM) and the mixture was incubated for exactly 30 minutes at 37 0C. 0.5 ml of 2, 4
dinitrophenylhydrazine (2 mM) was then added to the reaction mixture and allowed to stand for
exactly 20 minutes at 25 0C. Then 0.5ml of NaOH (0.4 M) was added and the absorbance was read
against reagent blank after 5 minutes at 546 nm. Reagent blank was prepared as described above
replacing sample with 0.1 of distilled water.
Determination of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
2.2 ml of 0.1 M carbonate buffer (pH 10.1), 0.1 ml of 0.1 M MgSO4. 7H20, and 0.2 ml of the
sample were mixed together and incubated at 37 0C for 10 minutes. Thereafter, 0.5 ml of 19 mM of
paranitrophenyl phosphate was added and again incubated at 37 0C for 10 minutes. 2.0 ml NaOH
was added and mixed, and read against blank at 400 nm.
Statistical Analysis: Data are presented as Mean ± SEM. Data collected were analyzed using One-
way ANOVA and Student Newman- Keuls post- hoc test for multiple comparisons.
30 Volume 4
RESULTS
Table 1: Effects of PJ on Mean Organ Weight
Experimental Groups Liver weight (% b.w) Kidney weight (% b.w) Stomach weight (% b.w)
Control 3.76 ± 0.12 0.89 ± 0.04 1.24 ± 0.02
3 ml/kg PJ 3.22 ± 0.25
*
0.72 ± 0.03
*
0.96 ± 0.04
*
6 ml/kg PJ 2.95 ± 0.16
*
0.66 ± 0.02
*
0.79 ± 0.03
*
9 ml/kg PJ 2.85 ± 0.10
*
0.72 ± 0.04
*
0.89 ± 0.05
*
Results are presented as Mean ± SEM. Data are compared down the table
* Significantly different from Control at p < 0.05, b.w = body weight
Table 2: Effects of Pineapple Juice on Lipid Parameters in Wistar Rats
Experimental
Groups
Cholesterol
(mg/dl-1)
Triglyceride
(mg/dl-1)
Low Density
Lipo-protein
(mg/dl-1)
High Density
Lipo-protein
(mg/dl-1)
Control 113.4 ± 1.60 83.4 ± 0.60 43.4 ± 0.98 38.6 ± 2.75
3 ml/kg PJ 107.2 ± 1.28# 76.0 ± 2.05
*
48.4 ± 3.43 36.4 ± 3.53
6 ml/kg PJ 110.0 ± 1.52 71.8 ± 1.71# 49.4 ± 0.98 46.8 ± 2.03#
9 ml/kg PJ 104.4 ± 1.66# 74.0 ± 2.95# 54.2 ± 4.44# 30.0 ± 3.42#
Results are presented as Mean ± SEM. Data are compared down the table
* Not significantly different from control at p < 0.05
# Significantly different from control at p < 0.05
Table 3: Effects of Pineapple Juice on some Electrolytes Level in the Kidney of Wistar Rats
Experimental
Groups
Urea
(mg/dl)
Creatinine
(mg/dl)
Sodium
(mEq/L)
Potassium
(mEq/L)
Bicarbonate
(mmol/L)
Chloride
(mmol/L)
Control 41.08±2.24 0.64±0.07 130.4±0.40 3.82±0.05 30.00±0.63 95.20±0.92
3 ml/kg PJ 32.40±3.80
*
0.60±0.05
α
128.40±0.93
α
3.52±0.07
α
23.20±0.92
*
85.00±2.05
*
6 ml/kg PJ 35.80±1.07
*
0.34±0.04
*
128.60±0.06
α
3.52±0.13
α
20.40±0.75
*
87.00±1.66
*
9 ml/kg PJ 35.60±0.93
*
0.36±0.03
*
129.30±0.58
α
3.18±0.11
α
29.20±0.49
α#
85.40±1.40
*
Results are presented as Mean ± SEM. Data are compared down the table
* Significantly different from control at p < 0.05
α Not significantly different from control at p < 0.05
# Significantly different from group B at p < 0.05
Table 4: Effects of PJ on Markers of Liver Function
Experimental
Groups
Total
protein
(g/dl)
Bilirubin
(mg/dl-1)
ALP
I.U/L
ALT
I.U/L
ALB
I.U/L
AST
I.U/L
Control 4.92±0.10 0.22±0.05 40.0±4.05 86.0±2.68 3.16±0.09 115.2±1.46
3 ml/kg PJ 7.28±0.39
*
0.16±0.02 88.0±4.10
*
59.8±3.90
*
4.18±0.20
*
154.6±7.07
*
6 ml/kg PJ 9.62±0.84
*
0.28±0.02
α
118.4±3.43
*
100.4±0.75
*
6.04±0.33
*
163.2±13.7
*
9 ml/kg PJ 5.76 ±0.30 0.30±0.04
α
79.4±6.61
*
72.2±3.90 3.84±0.02 178.4±2.00
*
Results are presented as Mean ± SEM. Data are compared down the table
* Significantly different from control at p < 0.05.
α Not significantly different from control at p < 0.05.
Table 5: Effects of PJ on some Gastric Enzymes of Wistar Rats
Experimental
Groups
SOD (mg/kg) TBAR (mg/kg) CATAL (mg/kg) MDA (mg/kg)
Control 0.79 ± 0.02 0.001 ± 0.00 1.33 ± 0.00 0.02 ± 0.00
3 ml/kg PJ 0.85 ± 0.09 0.001 ± 0.002
α
1.34 ± 0.00
α
0.016 ± 0.002
α
6 ml/kg PJ 0.69 ± 0.004
*
0.001 ± 0.00
α
1.35 ± 0.00
α
0.02 ± 0.00
α
9 ml/kg PJ 0.85 ± 0.02 0.0014 ± 0.00
α
1.34 ± 0.00
α
0.016 ± 0.002
α
Results are presented as Mean ± SEM. Data are compared down the table
* Significantly different from control at p < 0.05.
α Not significantly different from control at p < 0.05.
International Journal of Pharmacology, Phytochemistry and Ethnomedicine
Vol. 4
31
Table 6: Effects of Pineapple Juice on Haematological Parameters in Wistar Rats
Experimental
Groups
HB g/100ml RBC x 106/mm3 TWBC x103/mm3
Control 11.85±2.0 6.27 ± 0.1 2.35 ± 0.6
3 ml/kg PJ 8.90±0.5* 4.34 ± 0.2* 2.26 ± 0.1 α
6 ml/kg PJ 11.10±0.5 α# 6.34±0.3 α 2.80±0.3 α
9 ml/kg PJ 14.12± 1.5*# 9.92±1.5*# 4.47±0.5*#
Results are presented as Mean ± SEM. Data are compared down the table
* Significantly different from control at p < 0.05.
α Not significantly different from control at p < 0.05.
# Significantly different from B at p < 0.05.
DISCUSSION
Pineapple juice in diet has been reported to naturally reduce the amount of cholesterol in
bloodstream. [4-5,42]. Result from the present study revealed that administration of pineapple juice
to the animals led to reduction in the mean organ weights (Table 1). Therefore, the reduction in the
organ weights might be as a result of the cholesterol lowering property of pineapple juice.
Table 2 shows the effect of pineapple juice administration on lipid parameters in Wistar rats. There
was a significant decrease in the cholesterol level in the treated groups B and D when compared
with the control group. This is in support with the report from the research available in the
December 2005 edition of "Medical Science Monitor", which studied the effect of pineapple and
other fruit juices on plasma lipids. Researchers discovered that rats that consumed pineapple juice
over a three-hour period experienced a decrease in lipoprotein particles, compounds that carry fat
through the blood, and increased metabolism, activities that lower cholesterol levels. It is worth
noting that there was a progressive significant increase in low density lipo-protein which later
decreased in the highest dosed group. It can then be inferred that this effect of the juice on the liver,
kidney and stomach is dose-dependent. As this was an animal study, human studies are required.
However, all the treated groups show no significant difference when compared with the control
group in terms of triglyceride concentration. Prasenjit et al., in 2012 have previously reported that
fibers in pineapple caused lower blood cholesterol, which resulted into reduced risk of heart
diseases, diabetes, constipation, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, excess abdominal weight
and high triglyceride levels [2]. The result from this study is in tandem with their report, confirming
the triglyceride reduction property of pineapple juice.
It was observed that group C showed a significant increase in high density lipo-protein
concentration when compared with that of the control group while group D showed a significant
decrease.
The results showed that there is significant decrease in the concentration of urea and creatinine in
all the treated groups when compared with the control (Table 3). This implies that pineapple juice
has very low or no toxicity but rather reduces it. This supports the report made by [43] that
bromelain (the major proteolytic enzyme derived from pineapple) is considered to have very low
toxicity, with an LD50 greater than 10 g/kg. Toxicity tests on dogs, with increasing levels of
bromelain up to 750 mg/kg administered daily, showed no toxic effects after six months. Dosages
of 1.5 g/kg/day administered to rats showed no carcinogenic or teratogenic effects. Sodium and
potassium values for all the treated groups on the other hand, showed no significant difference when
compared with the control group. This shows that pineapple juice administration does not cause any
increase in the level of sodium and potassium beyond what the normal body needs. It has been
shown that the fruit contains sugar, vitamin C, and bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme that breaks
down protein. It is also low in sodium and rich in potassium [4-5]. This agrees with the decision
made by the Institute of Medicine, National Academies of Science in 2005 that “The Dietary
Reference Intakes for Sodium is established to be Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), which is the
highest daily nutrient intake level that is likely to pose no risk of adverse health effects”. The result
from the table showed that bicarbonate and chloride values reduced significantly down the groups
32 Volume 4
when compared with the control group. However, Pellicano et al., (2009) reported that in a pilot
study, bromelain, in combination with sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, and essential oils,
significantly improved dyspeptic symptoms [44]
From the results, the level of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine amino
transferase showed significant increase in the experimental rat when compared with the control
(Table 4). This could be attributed to the dose administered. Therefore, one can deduce that lower
dose of the juice had no significant positive action in reducing these enzymes and at the same time,
excess dose potentiates the recruitment of these enzymes (Table 4). However, elevation in ALP,
AST and ALT are usually secondary to tissue damage. This is because such damage results in the
leakage of these enzymes from their intracellular stores into plasma. ALT is most prevalent in the
liver whereas AST may also be found in the heart, skeletal muscle and liver to nearly the same
extent [45]. Significant increases in the transaminases commonly accompany such liver diseases as
toxic hepatitis, acute liver necrosis and hepatic cirrhosis.
The present study showed significant changes in the results of Total Protein of the experimental rats
when compared with the control. This is an indication that moderate administration of pineapple
juice had positive effect on the Total Protein, by increasing its concentration when compared with
the control group.
It was also observed from result that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the level of
bilirubin of the experimental animals when compared with the control. Reports from previous
works have shown that alcohol consumption may inhibit protein synthesis, especially in the heavy
drinkers. The binding and transport of substances by albumin, such as bilirubin could be affected by
heavy or moderate alcohol consumption. Bilirubin is transported to the liver by binding non-
covalently to albumin [46].
SOD showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in group C when compared with control. However,
TBAR, CATAL and MDA showed no significant difference when compared with the control
(Table 5).
Table 6 shows the effects of pineapple juice on Haemoglobin (HB), Red Blood Cells (RBC) and
Total White Blood Cells (TWBC) indices of the Wistar Rats. The results showed that there were
significant increase (p < 0.05) in the total values of Hb, Rbc and TWBC contents of the
experimental rats when compared with the control. Moderate administration of pineapple juice
proved to be advantageous in that it increases the Haemoglobin contents (Hb), the erythropoesis
formation and serves as immune buster as shown by this result. There was a significant decrease in
haemoglobin concentration observed in group B when compared with the control. This is in contrast
with the result which was reported by Boukerche et al., (2004) [47].
CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that when pineapple juice is moderately administered orally for the period of one
month in wistar rats, it had some gastric protective effects in that it reduced some toxic gastric
enzymes and cholesterol level. It also has positive haematological and biochemical significances
because it potentiated increased erythropoetic activities. However, this is not so in the case of its
effect on the levels of ALP, AST and ALT in the study. Further study will therefore be required to
find which dose is the best for the optimum physiochemical function of the juice in this area.
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