THE EFFECTS OF SOYBEAN (GLYCINE MAX. MERR.) CONDIMENT OF FOOD INTAKE AND SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS

Abstract

The effect of soybean (Glycine max. merr.) condiment (SC) in diets was investigated in male albino rata (Wistar strain) using locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) condiments (LC) in diets as reference alongside a control diet without any condiment. The rats were fed for 28days with control diet and diets containing measured amount of condiment by weight of a locally manufactured bouillon cube. Food intake and weight gain were observed to be significantly increased (P<0.05) in rats fed the condimented  diets but more significantly, by the SC diets. There was a significant (P<0.05) dose-dependent increase in the weight of pancreas for both condiments. A notable increase in spleen weight (Splenomegaly) was observed in the rats fed condimented diets (P<0.05). Blood pressure was reduced by the condiments but the reduction was to a greater extent by LC. Plasma Na⁺ concentration was not significantly affected by the condiments (P>0.05). A dose-dependent increase in gastric acid secretion was observed in the rats fed the SC diets.