Effect of selected tropical fruits on health-promoting properties in rats

Guava, papaya and soursop are among several tropical fruits that contain antioxidants. The study was conducted to investigate the health-promoting effect of these fruits on Sprague-Dawley rats. The parameters determined were total antioxidant status, alanin aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). TAS level in supplemented (guava, papaya and soursop) group were significantly higher (p 0.05) compared to the control group. Supplementation of guava, papaya and soursop puree did not affect the ALT and AST levels. Significant difference (p 0.05) was observed between control and supplemented groups for total protein, albumin and globulin levels. The total cholesterol level was significantly reduced (p 0.05) in guava and soursop at medium and high dosage compared to control group. Rats supplemented with papaya puree at all dosage exhibited significantly higher (p 0.05) level of HDL-C compared to control group. Supplementation with these fruits will increase the antioxidant and HDL-C level in blood serum of rats, which will improve health to a better status.