Mango (Mangifera indica L) Seed Kernel: Proximate Properties and Effect on Normal and Monosodium Glutamate-Hepato-Compromised Wistar Rats

Monosodium glutamate, MSG, a widely used flavour enhancer could induce hepatic injury in humans while mango (Mangifera indica L) seed kernel, MSK, a common fruit waste could be nutritive and therapeutic. Thus, this study investigated the proximate properties of MSK and the effect of MSK on normal and monosodium glutamate-hepato-compromised Wistar rats using standard protocols involving five groups (n=4) viz: control (distilled water, 2 ml/kg ), MSG (8 g/kg), MSK ethanolic extract, MSKE (0.3 g/kg), MSG (8g/kg) + MSKE (0.2 g/kg) and MSG (8 g/kg) + MSKE (0.4 g/kg) respectively fed via gavage daily for 14 days. Proximate content of MSK revealed total carbohydrate (71.99%), moisture (10.53%), crude protein (5.68%), ash (4.31%), fat (4.29%), and crude fiber (3.20%). The determined serum bio-indicators of hepatic function (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activity and total bilirubin concentration) in the rats exposed to MSG alone which were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those in the control were reduced (p<0.05) dose dependently following concomitant exposure of the rats to MSG and increasing concentration of MSKE. Multifocal necrosis with periportal infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory leucocytes in the liver histology of MSG-treated rats contrasted the normal hepatic histo-architecture in the control and MSKE-treated rats. The study highlighted the dietary potential of MSK and confirmed a definite MSG-induced adverse effect on the liver histology and serum functional indices of rats, probably ameliorated on concomitant exposure with MSKE. Further studies to exploit MSK in diets and drugs could reduce its waste status hence were warranted.