Antioxidant Activity of Germinated African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) in Alloxan Diabetic Rats

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of
the antioxidant activity of germinated African Yam Bean (AYB) on
oxidative stress markers in alloxan induced diabetic rat. Rats were
randomized into three groups; control, diabetic and germinated AYB
– treated diabetic rats. The Total phenol and flavonoid content and
DPPH radical scavenging activity before and after germination were
investigated. The glucose level, lipid peroxidation and reduced
glutathione of the animals were also determined using standard
technique for four weeks. Germination increased the total phenol,
flavonoid and antioxidant activity of AYB extract by 19.14%,
32.28% and 57.25% respectively. The diabetic rats placed on
germinated AYB diet had a significant decrease in the blood glucose
and lipid peroxidation with a corresponding increase in glutathione
(p<0.05). These results demonstrate that consumption of germinated
AYB can be a good dietary supplement in inhibiting hyperglycemia/
hyperlipidemia and the prevention of diabetic complication
associated with oxidative stress.

• Nneka N. Uchegbu

• African Yam Bean
• Antioxidant
• Diabetes
• Total phenol.

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