Hepatotoxicity and biochemical evaluation of a novel breakfast food produced from the blend of fonio (Digitaria iburua Stapf) and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh) in albino rats

Abstract

Background: The production of novel foods from underutilized nutritious tropical crops is increasing; however, the toxicological studies are sparse. In this study, the safety of the breakfast food produced from the blend of fonio and pigeon pea was examined by evaluating the biochemical and toxicological parameters of the breakfast food using Wistar albino rats. Twenty male Wistar albino rats subdivided into 4 groups of 5 were separately fed with four food samples (100% fonio, 80:20 fonio:pigeon pea, standard rat feed (control) and a commercial brand of corn flake) for 28 days after which the animals were sacrificed and blood samples collected for analyses. Body weight, blood glucose, biochemical, and hematological parameters were examined during the experimental period.