Evaluation of the proximate and anti-nutrient composition of methanol extract of Mangifera indica (mango) seed kernel and impact of its consumption on haematological parameters

The aim of this study was to evaluate the proximate and anti-nutrient composition of methanol extract of Mangifera indica (mango) seed kernel and impact of its consumption on haematological indices of treated rats. Mango seed kernels were processed into fine powder which was subsequently divided into two parts. While one half of the flour sample was used for proximate analysis, the remaining half was subjected to extraction. Twenty five adult male wistar rats were divided into five groups of five rats each. Group I was the normal control and was fed rat chow and water only, Groups II-V were administered with 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg bw of Mango Seed Kernel Extract (MSKE) respectively. Administration of extract lasted for 21 days after which rats were sacrificed and blood sample collected for analysis of haematological indices which were determined by standard procedures. Proximate analysis revealed the presence of ash, crude fibre, crude protein, fat and total carbohydrate (70.12±1.34%) which was reportedly more abundant. The study also revealed the presence of anti-nutrients such as oxalate, tannins, phytate, alkaloid and saponins and phytate (1.49±0.01 mg/100g) which was most abundant, while alkaloid (0.03±0.02 mg/100 g) was the least abundant. Administration of 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg body weight of MSKE significantly (P<0.05) reduced Haemoglobin concentration (Hb), Red Blood Cell (RBC), Packed Cell Volume (PCV). However, 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg MSKE reduced WBC compared to the control, there was a non-significant (P>0.05) difference between the WBC of the control group and that of the group II administered with 200 mg/kg bw MSKE. In conclusion, the fact that MSKE is an embodiment of nutrients and anti-nutrients has undoubtedly been consolidated further through this research and the alterations observed in the studied blood parameters are direct consequence of the anti-nutrient.