Toxicological Effects on Selected Tissues of Rats Fed Glycoalkaloid-Rich and Light-Exposed Solanum Tuberosum

Ayodeji Oluwafemi Idowu; Aduke Oluremi Saliu; Babamotemi  Oluwasola Itakorode; Cecilia  Nireti Fakorede; Rotimi Olusanya Arise

doi:10.18502/jnfs.v7i4.11062

Ayodeji Oluwafemi Idowu Department of Biochemistry, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria
Aduke Oluremi Saliu Department of Environmental Health Science, School of Health Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja, Nigeria
Babamotemi Oluwasola Itakorode Department of Biochemistry, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria
Cecilia Nireti Fakorede Department of Microbiology, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Oduduwa University, P.M.B. 5533, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
Rotimi Olusanya Arise Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jnfs.v7i4.11062

Keywords: Solanum tuberosum; Glycoalkaloids; Alanine aminotransferase; Aspartate aminotransferase; Lipid peroxidation

Abstract

Background: Exposure of potato tubers to light causes accumulation of glycioalkaloids in the tubers and overdose of glycoalkaoids are associated with some toxicity. This study aims to investigate the effect of consuming sunlight exposed tubers of Irish potato on some selected tissues of rats.

Methods:Freshly harvested tubers of Solnum tuberosum were purchased from a farmland and were randomly grouped into five groups. Groups 1- 4 consisted of tubers exposed to sunlight (including visible and invisible light e.g. ultraviolet) for a period of 1, 2, 3, and 4 week(s), respectively, while group 5 served as the control and consisted of freshly harvested tubers of Irish potato that have not been exposed to sunlight. The glycoalkaloids content was determined in both the non-exposed (control) and sunlight exposed tubers. Thereafter the tubers were formulated as diet and administered to rats. Biochemical analyses on serum lipid profile, enzymes of selected tissues (serum, liver, and kidney) and lipid peroxidation were carried out.

Results: The results showed that the total glycoalkaloids content of the exposed sunlight groups (230, 250, 270, and 300 mg/kg fresh weight, respectively) significantly increased compared to the control group (100 mg/kg fresh weight). A significant reduction (P < 0.05) in activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and a significant upsurge (P < 0.05) in alkaline phosphatase activity was observed in the selected tissues of sunlight-exposed potato tuber animal groups compared to the (non-exposed) group. Lipid peroxidation assessment revealed a significant upsurge (P < 0.05) in malondialdehyde formation and a mild alteration in serum lipid profile.

Conclusion: The study concluded that consumption of sunlight exposed Solanum tuberosum tubers may pose a threat on vital organs of the body irrespective of duration of exposure.