Efficacy of turmeric on blood sugar and polyol pathway in diabetic albino rats

In the traditional system ofmedicine, Ayurveda, several spices and herbsare thought to possess medicinal properties. Amongthe spices, turmeric rhizomes (Curcumalonga. Linn.) are used as flavoring and coloringagents in the Indian diet everyday. In this research,we studied the effect of turmeric and itsactive principle, curcumin, on diabetes mellitus in arat model. Alloxan was used to induce diabetes.Administration of turmeric or curcumin to diabeticrats reduced the blood sugar, Hb and glycosylatedhemoglobin levels significantly. Turmeric andcurcumin supplementation also reduced the oxidativestress encountered by the diabetic rats. This wasdemonstrated by the lower levels of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), which mayhave been due to the decreased influx of glucose intothe polyol pathway leading to an increased NADPH/NADPratio and elevated activity of the potent antioxdiantenzyme GPx. Moreover, the activity of SDH (soorbitol dehydrogenase), whichcatalyzes the conversion of sorbitol to fructose, waslowered significantly on treatment with turmeric orcurcumin. These results also appeared to reveal thatcurcumin was more effective in attenuating diabetesmellitus related changes than turmeric.     

Cassava-soy weaning food: Biological evaluation and effects on rat organs

Weaning food was formulated using a cassava product, `Tapioca' (TAP), supplemented with roasted – sproutedsoybeans (SS), with and without additional (10%)malted sorghum flour (MS). Biological evaluation wascarried out on the formulations using 4–5 week oldweanling albino rats, with Cerelac (a commercialmaize-milk weaning food) as the control diet. Therewere increases in growth rate of rats fed with boththe test and control diets. There were no significant(p > 0.05) differences between the test diets andcontrol diet in true digestibility values. Thebiological value (BV) and net protein utilization(NPU) values for the formulated diets were above therecommended minimum values. The weight of organs(small intestine, pancreas, liver and heart) of ratsfed TAP + SS and TAP + SS + MS based diets were nothigher than those of organs of rats fed Cerelac. Itwas concluded that cassava products could potentiallybe employed successfully in the preparation of weaningfoods of comparable quality to available commercialbrands.     

Corrective role of chickpea intake on a dietary-induced model of hypercholesterolemia

A feeding trial was conducted in order to evaluate the potential effect on the lipid profile in a experimentally induced situation of hypercholesterolemia of a previously uninvestigated legume (Cicer aretinum L.) widely included in Mediterranean and Latinamerican human diets. Rats fed on a hypercholesterolemic diet containing saturated fat, cholesterol and cholic acid (H) had 123 percent higher serum cholesterol and 62 percent greater triacylglycerols levels than the animals receiving casein (C) protein. The LDL and VLDL cholesterol levels were 1330 percent and 35 percent higher, respectively, and HDL cholesterol 34 percent lower in the group of animals given the H diet as compared to controls. Further feeding of the hypercholesterolemic rats with animal protein (HC) resulted in a significant decrease of triacylglycerols (–70 percent), which reflected the decrease in the VLDL fraction. These effects on the lipid metabolism were more marked when the legumeCicer aretinum L. was present in the diet (HL). Significantly decreased concentrations of total cholesterol (–54 percent) and triacylglycerols (–70 percent) as well as the levels of LDL (–54 percent) and VLDL (–70 percent) were seen in rats fed chickpeas. In conclusion, a differential hypocholesterolemic effect between dietary casein and chickpea intake in a model of hypercholesterolemia induced by the diet was found, with beneficial effects on the lipid metabolism when legume was included in the diet as compared to casein. This suggests, for apparently the first time, that chickpea consumption may have a corrective effect in some alterations of the lipid profile.Abbreviations ANF Antinutritional factors - CD Cardiovascular disease - C Casein diet (Control diet) - H Hypercholesterolemic diet - L Legume diet - SD standard deviation     

Effect of varied fermentation periods on the diabetogenic potential of toasted cassava granules

The effects of exclusive gari diets prepared using varied fermentation periods on the fasting blood glucose levels (FBGL) and glucose tolerance (GT) of rats were studied. Thirty growing male albino rats divided randomly into 5 groups of 6 rats each were used. The 5 groups were each fed gari diets fermented for 0, 24, 48, 72 hours; and a standard rat diet, respectively, for 8 weeks. Data on the total cyanogen content and % crude protein of the diets; FBGL, GT, body weight, water:feed consumption ratio and clinical observations of the rats were collected. Results showed that the total cyanogen content and % crude protein of the diets were depleted as fermentation periods increased. The FBGL of all the gari-fed rats were significantly elevated and their GT significantly impaired with a significant variation between the groups. The elevated FBGL and impaired GT which were found to increase with increase in fermentation period were strongly inversely correlated to the % crude protein content of the diets (r = –0.92 and –0.96 respectively) suggesting that the diabetogenic potential of gari diets strongly depended on its % crude protein content. Shortened fermentation periods leading to production of gari with high total cyanogen content did not induce higher diabetogenicity.     

Bioavailability of tryptophan in selected foods by rat growth assay

Tryptophan bioavailabilities were estimated in 16 protein sources using 10 day rat growth assays with casein as the reference protein. Growth responses of rats fed test food diets were compared to growth responses of rats fed basal diets with graded levels of tryptophan ranging from 50 to 100 mg of tryptophan/100 g diet. Estimates of tryptophan availabilities were 85–100% for all products except whole wheat cereal (73%) and pinto beans (59%). Results of a previous study on lysine availability indicated that poor response to pinto beans was due either to poor digestibility or to the presence of some unidentified growth inhibitor.     

Nutrient composition and biological evaluation of mesta (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seeds

Two varieties of mesta (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seeds were analysed for their proximate composition. Their protein (18.8–22.3%), fat (19.1–22.8%) and dietary fiber (39.5–42.6%) contents were found to be high. The seeds were found to be a good source of minerals like phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. Their lysine and tryptophan contents were also high. Sulphur containing amino acids were limiting in this seed protein and the chemical score of mesta seed protein was 40 and 57 for AMV-2 and Bhimili-1 varieties respectively. Mesta seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids (70%), of which linoleic acid constituted 44%. Weanling rats were fed with 10% mesta seed protein before and after cooking for 4 weeks. Food intake of animals receiving raw mesta seed diets was significantly lower than those receiving cooked mesta seed diets as well as the casein control diet. Protein and dry matter digestibilities of raw and cooked mesta seed diets were lower than that of casein control diet. Cooking improved the food intake, gain in body weight, dry matter and protein digestibility of mesta seed diets. PER and NPU of cooked mesta seed diets were significantly higher than the corresponding raw diets. These results indicate that cooked mesta seed protein is of relatively good quality.     

Hypoglycemic and Hypocholesterolemic Effects of Coptis chinensis Franch Inflorescence

Hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic activities of Coptis chinensis franch inflorescence (Coptis inflorescence) were studied using animal models. Serum total and LDL cholesterol of rats fed a diet containing 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid increased, as compared with those of rats fed a normal diet. The level of total and LDL cholesterol were reduced markedly in a dose dependent manner, in rats given Coptis inflorescence extract orally at doses of 0.25, 0.5 g/kg.day for 4 weeks. In diabetic rats induced by alloxan, Coptis inflorescence extract showed a significant (p < 0.05) blood sugar lowering activity at all experimented doses (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 g/kg.day). The highest reduction of blood sugar was about 58% when the rats were given Coptis inflorescence extract orally at a dose of 0.5 g/kg.day for 3 weeks. The 100 g dried water extract of Coptis inflorescence contained 8.11 g total alkaloid, 3.34 g berberin, 1.08 g palmatine and 0.66 g jatrorrhizine, which had long been identified as active compounds in Coptis chinensis franch root (Coptis root). Thus, the results suggest that Coptis inflorescence would be effective in the prevention and management of coronary artery disease by lowering serum cholesterol and blood sugar.     

Growth,Yield and Quality of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Cultivated on Dark-red Soil,Gray Soil and Red Soil in Okinawa,Japan

Abstract

We evaluated growth, yield and quality of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) cultivated in pots with dark-red soil (pH 5.2), gray soil (pH 7.4) and red soil (pH 4.4) in Okinawa, Japan. The soils were collected from the 50-cm deep layer of the fields. We did not use any chemicals or organic fertilizers. Turmeric cultivated on dark-red soil had the highest plant height, root biomass and shoot biomass as compared with that cultivated on other soil types. Turmeric on dark-red soil had the highest yield with favorable color of the deep yellow and high curcumin content (0.20%). Protein content of turmeric in dark-red soil was 5.2%, which was around 40% higher than that in other soil types. Turmeric cultivated on dark-red and gray soils had a fat content 71% higher than that in red soil. The content of Ca, K and Mg was the highest when turmeric was cultivated on gray soil, and Fe was the highest when cultivated on dark-red soil. To gain a high yield and high contents of curcumin, fat, protein and Fe, we should cultivate turmeric in dark-red soil in Okinawa. We could not recognize the specific soil factor(s) required for high yielding and high quality of turmeric; however, it seems that a proper combination of soil factors, nutrients and/or pH level may be necessary to gain a high yield and high quality.     

Relationship between dietary fiber levels and protein digestibility in selected foods as determined in rats

Samples of 15 food products and feces obtained by feeding them to rats were analysed for dietary fiber fractions. The food products were added as the sole source of protein in 8% protein diets, making up 8.8–51.6% of the diets. Diets were supplemented with 0.54–5.00% purified cellulose to make them more comparable in total fiber. Fiber analyses of food products revealed that the protein sources provided 0.06–7.27% total dietary fiber. The true protein digestibility in rats was negatively correlated with the total food fiber level (r=–0.69,P<0.01) or with the food cellulose level (r=–0.82,P<0.01) but it was positively correlated (r=+0.81,P<0.01) with the purified cellulose level. No relationship was found between protein digestibility and fiber fermentability. Results indicate that several food fiber fractions and possibly associated substances influenced protein digestibility. Purified cellulose did not have the same physiological behavior as food cellulose from the viewpoint of protein digestibility and fiber fermentability.     

Evaluation of the protein quality of rice supplemented with bean or crayfish in rats

Weanling male rats (45–60 g) were used to compare the supplemental effects to rice protein of bean or crayfish protein. Rats were fed various combinations of rice plus bean (B) or crayfish (C) to provide 1.6 g N/100 g of the daily diet for 28-day growth studies and a 7-day N balance period. Five different diets were fed. Six rats were assigned to each diet on the basis of body weight. Combinations of R:B of 80:20 and of R:C of 80:20 produced food intake, weight gain, PER, N intake, digested and retained N; and liver weight values that were comparable. However, increasing C to 30% of the dietary protein led to reduced value for food intake, weight gain, PER, N intake, digested and retained N, BV, NPU, and liver weight when compared with values obtained when B was increased to 30% (P<0.05). The results appear to indicate that, above a certain level of supplementation, brown bean protein is superior to crayfish as a supplement to rice protein.     

Iron and phosphorus utilization in rats fed soaked and dehulled bambara groundnut supplemented with sorghum or crayfish

Thirty-six adult Wistar albino male rats (75–128 g) of age 8 weeks were used to study the effect of dehulled and soaked bambara groundnut combined with sorghum or crayfish on iron and phosphorus balances of rats fed for 10 days. Three out of the ten days were for adjustment and the rest for the balance period. Six diets were formulated and fed to the rats. The mixed protein diets provided 10% protein daily for the entire study period. Casein(CA) served as a reference protein. Rats fed the CA diet had significant decreases (p < 0.05) in food intake, maintenance body weight, phosphorus intake and phosphorus balance when compared with those of the test groups. As judged by iron nutriture, dehulled brown bambara groundnut (DBGB) appeared to be superior to the white variety. Soaking seriously affected iron utilization in brown variety. Dehulling produced significant increases (p < 0.05) in phosphorus balance in animals fed the white variety of bambara groundnut compared with the brown variety. On the other hand, soaking produced positive phosphorus balance in rats consuming the brown variety. Addition of crayfish produced a slight nonsignificant decrease (p > 0.05) in rodents eating the brown variety. These results suggested that varietal difference and treatment affected iron and phosphorus utilization in rats fed bambara groundnut in conjunction with sorghum and/or crayfish.     

Partial replacement of dietary casein with soy protein isolate can reduce the severity of retinoid-induced hypertriglyceridemia

Previous research carried out in an animal model of retinoid-induced hypertriglyceridemia – rats fet a 13-cis retinoic acid (13cRA)-containing diet having casein as the protein source – has demonstrated that the complete replacement of dietary casein with soy protein isolate (SPI) can decrease the severity of this condition. In this study, the effect of partially replacing dietary casein with SPI was investigated. Five groups of male Fischer 344 rats were used in a 14-day study, with two groups being fed diets having casein as the protein source, without or with 13cRA (groups A and B, respectively), and three groups being fed 13cRA-containing diets in which SPI was used to bring about the isonitrogenous replacement of 25, 50, or 100% of the casein in the formula for the diet used for group B (groups C-E, respectively). Serum triglyceride concentration for group B was significantly different ( p < 0.05) from that of groups A, D, and E (5.41 vs 2.62, 4.04, and 2.66 mmol/l, respectively). Serum cholesterol concentrations for groups D and E were significantly lower ( p < 0.05) than for groups A and B (1.63 and 1.60 vs 2.00 and 2.14 mmol/l, respectively). Thus, the isonitrogenous replacement of 50% of dietary casein with SPI can reduce the severity of retinoid-induced hypertriglyceridemia while decreasing the serum concentration of cholesterol.     

Long-Term Feeding of Chitosan Ameliorates Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in a High-Fructose-Diet-Impaired Rat Model of Glucose Tolerance

This study was designed to investigate the effects of long-term feeding of chitosan on plasma glucose and lipids in rats fed a high-fructose (HF) diet (63.1%). Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged seven weeks were used as experimental animals. Rats were divided into three groups: (1) normal group (normal); (2) HF group; (3) chitosan + HF group (HF + C). The rats were fed the experimental diets and drinking water ad libitum for 21 weeks. The results showed that chitosan (average molecular weight was about 3.8 × 10⁵ Dalton and degree of deacetylation was about 89.8%) significantly decreased body weight, paraepididymal fat mass, and retroperitoneal fat mass weight, but elevated the lipolysis rate in retroperitoneal fats of HF diet-fed rats. Supplementation of chitosan causes a decrease in plasma insulin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin (IL)-6, and leptin, and an increase in plasma adiponectin. The HF diet increased hepatic lipids. However, intake of chitosan reduced the accumulation of hepatic lipids, including total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) contents. In addition, chitosan elevated the excretion of fecal lipids in HF diet-fed rats. Furthermore, chitosan significantly decreased plasma TC, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), the TC/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, and increased the HDL-C/(LDL-C + VLDL-C) ratio, but elevated the plasma TG and free fatty acids concentrations in HF diet-fed rats. Plasma angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) protein expression was not affected by the HF diet, but it was significantly increased in chitosan-supplemented, HF-diet-fed rats. The high-fructose diet induced an increase in plasma glucose and impaired glucose tolerance, but chitosan supplementation decreased plasma glucose and improved impairment of glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance. Taken together, these results indicate that supplementation with chitosan can improve the impairment of glucose and lipid metabolism in a HF-diet-fed rat model.     

The nutritive value of all-vegetable protein diets based on legume,cereal and tuber in weanling rats

Thirty albino weanling male rats (45–55 g) were divided into five groups of six rats each on the basis of body weight and fed combinations of dehulled brown beans (DBB); parboiled rice (R); and cassava meal (G) which provided 10% protein for 35 days. Casein served as the reference protein. Combinations of DBB (50–80%); with R (18–48%); and G (2%) produced varied effects on body weight, nitrogen (N) intake, N digestibility and retention, BV, liver weight and plasma albumin (P<0.05).The DBB:R:G (70:28:2) blend induced decreases in all the parameters tested except for the BV and PER values. The control group produced digested and retained N, protein efficiency ratio (PER), weight gain and liver weight that were significantly higher than for those of the test diets (P<0.05). These results appear to suggest that starchy foods when blended with legumes at low levels produced good quality protein comparable to casein.     

Growth rate,muscle protein composition,intestinal absorption of D-galactose and L-leucine and nitrogen balance in rats fed the raw legumeChamaecytisus proliferus L.

Growth rate, nitrogen balance, skeletal muscle nitrogen fractions and in vivo intestinal absorption of D-galactose (2 mM) and L-leucine (20 mM) have been measured in male growing rats (90–100 g initial body weight) fed 12% protein diets containing either casein (control) or the raw leafy legumeChamaecytisus proliferus L. (Western Canary Islands). As compared to control casein-fed rats, those fed the raw legume diet exhibited a significant reduction (P<0.01) in the rate of growth, nitrogen balance parameters, sarcoplasmic nitrogenous fraction of skeletal musculature and in vivo intestinal absorption of galactose and leucine; however, the non-protein nitrogenous fraction has been found significantly higher (P<0.01) than that of control animals, whereas the myofibrillar nitrogenous fraction remained unchanged. The possible nature of these findings is discussed.     

Antihyperlipidemic Effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aronia melanocarpa</Emphasis> Fruit Juice in Rats Fed a High-Cholesterol Diet

Aronia melanocrpa fruit juice (AMFJ) used in our experiment was very rich in phenolic substances (709.3 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 ml juice). Anthocyanins (106.8 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/100 ml juice) were the main flavonoid group. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of AMFJ on plasma lipids and lipoprotein profile, and histopathology of liver and aorta in rats with dietary-induced hyperlipidemia. AMFJ was administered by gavage for 30 days at doses of 5, 10 and 20 ml/kg body weight to rats fed a standard diet (SD) or a 4% cholesterol-containing diet (4% ChD). The 4% ChD caused a significant elevation of plasma total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG). AMFJ did not significantly influence plasma lipids in rats fed the SD and significantly hindered the elevation of plasma TC, LDL-C and TG in rats fed the 4% ChD. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were not significantly influenced either by the 4% ChD or by AMFJ. Neither the cholesterol feeding, nor AMFJ treatment induced any histopathological changes in rat liver and aorta. In conclusion, AMFJ showed an antihyperlipidemic effect in rats with hyperlipidemia and could be valuable in reducing this factor of cardiovascular risk.     

Langzeit-Tierfütterungsversuch zur toxikologischen Prüfung Müllklärschlammkompost-Gedüngter Möhren

Zusammenfassung Müllklärschlamm kann hohe Gehalte an Schwermetallen und krebserregenden Substanzen (3,4-Benzpyren) enthalten. In einem Langzeitversuch bis zur Nachkommengeneration F4 wurde an insgesamt über 900 Sprague-Dawley-Ratten geprüft, ob mit Müllklärschlamm (MKK) gedüngte Möhren bei Verfütterung eine gesundheitliche bzw. carcinogene Wirkung heben (Jahresgabe 3,6–5,0 kg Möhren pro Ratte mit einem Benzpyrengehalt der Möhren von ca. 1 pbb). Die Ratten erhielten folgenden Diäten: Altromin (Standardgruppe A), Altromin und Möhren ohne MKK-Düngung (Kontrollgruppe B), Altromin und Möhren mit MKK-Düngung (Versuchsgruppe C), Altromin und einmal wöchentlich 10 µg 3,4-Benzpyren an die Weibchen (Vergleichsgruppe D). Die Diät D hatte einen 25–30 fach höheren Benzpyrengehalt (Jahresdosis ca. 1,8 mg BP/kg Körpergewicht Ratte) als die Diäten A, B und C. Es wurden untersucht: Futterverbrauch, Wachstum, Fruchtbarkeit, Reproduktion und Aufzuchtleistung, Organgewichte, durchschnittlich erreichtes Lebensalter, Tumorrate.Nach 28 Monaten (F1) bzw. nach 24 Monaten (F2) hatte die Verfütterung Müllklärschlamm-gedüngter Möhren keine erhöhte carcinogene Wirkung und keine chronisch-toxischen Veränderungen im Vergleich zu den Kontrolltieren ergeben. Auch bei den Weibchen der Gruppe D wurde keine signifikant erhöhte Krebshäufigkeit beobachtet.

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Toxicological long-term animal feeding studies on carrots cultivated with composted garbage and sewage sludge

It has been reported that high levels of heavy metals and carcinogenic substances (3,4-benzpyrene) can be present in composted garbage and sewage sludge. A long-term 4 generation study using over 900 Sprague-Dawley rats was therefore performed to ascertain whether carrots cultivated with composted garbage and sewage sludge (MKK) induce toxic or carcinogenic effects. The annual intake per rat was 3.6–5.0 kg carrots containing approximately 1 pbb benzpyrene. Four groups of rats were fed the following diets: Commercial (Altromin) diet (standard group, A); Altromin and untreated carrots (control group, B); Altromin and MKK-treated carrots (test group, C); Altromin and 10 µg 3,4-benzpyrene administered weekly to females (comparative group D). The level of benzpyrene in diet D was 25–30 times higher than in diets A, B and C. The parameters studied include food intake, body-weight gain, fertility, reproductive performance, organ weights, average life-span and tumour incidence.After 28 months (F1 generation) and 24 months (F2 generation) no increased carcinogenic or chronic toxic effects were noted in the test animals fed carrots cultivated with composted garbage and sewage sludge in their diets compared to the control groups. No significant increase in tumour incidence was noted in the female rats (group D) fed additional benzpyrene.

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Vortrag, gehalten am 30.9.1977 anläßlich der Vortragstagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Qualitätsforschung (Pflanzliche Nahrungsmittel) (DGQ) in Geisenheim/Rheingau. — Die Untersuchungen wurden in Geisenheim (ehemalige Bundesanstalt für Qualitätsforschung pflanzlicher Erzeugnisse) durchgeführt und durch einen Forschungsauftrag des Bundesministeriums für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Forsten gefördert.     

Growth,liver composition,and calcium balance of rats fed sorghum supplemented with two levels of beans

A 35-day experimental study consisting of 28-day growth and 7-day calcium (Ca) balance periods was conducted to assess the effects of fibre and N ratios on growth and Ca balance of rats. Growth and Ca balance of rats (45–80 g) fed mixtures of cooked (CS) and uncooked (RS) sorghum and dehulled (DB) and undehulled (UB) bean were studied. The diets contained 10% protein. Casein served as the control protein. The control group ate more food except for the group fed the CS:DU (60:40) diets (P<0.05) had higher values for all parameters tested than the test groups. There were increases in food and Ca intakes, fecal Ca, weight gain, protein efficiency ration (PER), liver weight and composition except for the low moisture value for the CS:DS (60:40) group when N ratios were changed from 80:20 to 60:40. These results appear to indicate that fiber and N ratio had significant effects on growth liver composition and calcium balance of the rats.     

Influence of Dietary Avocado on Gut Health in Rats

This study investigated the impact of diets containing various levels of avocado (5, 10 and 15%) on gut health in rats fed for six weeks. Avocado-fed rats had significantly higher food intakes while their body weights remained similar to the control diet-fed rats. No significant changes in intestinal bacterial populations (ileum, cecum and colon) were found in rats fed avocado diets compared to the control diet. Ileum and colon tissues of rats fed avocado diets showed significantly higher expression of genes (β-defensin 1, mucin 3 or mucin 4) and a greater number of mucin-producing goblet cells in the colon. The percentage of avocado in the diet had varying effects in altering the biomarkers, whereby diet containing 15% avocado was the more effective diet. This study delivers new knowledge on the role of avocado on gut health in rats.     

Comparative effects of scopoletin and cyanide on rat brain, 1: Histopathology

Four week old male Wistar rats were used to study the effects of scopoletin and cyanide on the histopathology of rat brain. The rats were divided into a control and three experimental groups (2–4) and fed rations containing 0.07 g scopoletin/100 g, 0.07g scopoletin + 1.8 mg cyanide/100 g and 1.8 mg cyanide/100 g, respectively. These levels of scopoletin and cyanide corresponded to levels found in a processed cassava diet. The first group was fed the same ration as the others but without scopoletin and cyanide. The rats were fed these rations for twelve months. Rats from each group were sacrificed at the third, sixth, ninth and twelfth months; the relative brain weight of the rats (% of body weight) and histology of their brains were studied. The lipid peroxide levels of the rat brains were also studied at the twelfth month. The results showed that the relative brain weights of the rats fed scopoletin + cyanide were significantly (p<0.05) less than that of the control from the third month. There were no significant changes in the lipid peroxide levels of the rat brains in the various groups. Histological examination of the brains of the rats sugested that scopoletin is involved in the pathogenesis of the neuropathy seen in cassava consuming populations.