Abstract
Irvingia gabonensis, a non-timber forest product (NTFP) widely used in tropical Africa for its nutritional properties, was the subject of this study to evaluate the effect of substituting its flour for carbohydrates and proteins in a rat growth diet. Fifteen growing albino rats were divided into three groups of five: a control group on a standard diet, a group with carbohydrate substitution using Irvingia gabonensis flour, and a group with protein substitution. The experiment lasted 21 days. Blood glucose levels decreased by 3.77% in rats whose diet consisted of Irvingia gabonensis flour as a carbohydrate substitute and by 16.03% in rats whose diet consisted of Irvingia gabonensis flour as a protein substitute. Urea and creatinine concentrations decreased slightly by 10.25% (urea) and 16.19% (creatinine) in rats whose diet was substituted for carbohydrates with Irvingia gabonensis meal, and by 15.38% (urea) and 17.81% (creatinine) in rats whose diet was substituted for proteins with Irvingia gabonensis meal, indicating good renal tolerance. A non-significant increase in AST concentration of 5.74% and 5.17% was observed in rats whose diet was substituted for carbohydrates with Irvingia gabonensis meal and for proteins with Irvingia gabonensis meal, respectively. A non-significant decrease in ALT concentration of 6.17% and 2.46% was observed in rats whose diet was substituted for carbohydrates with Irvingia gabonensis meal and for proteins with Irvingia gabonensis meal, respectively. No major changes in total cholesterol were observed, but a non-significant decrease in total protein concentration was noted. This study highlights the nutritional value of Irvingia gabonensis flour, which could serve as a local dietary alternative for the partial replacement of carbohydrates and proteins, while ensuring satisfactory growth and good metabolic balance in rats.