Ameliorative Effect of Bambara Nut on Cognito-motor Functions of Konzo-induced Wistar Rats Model

Introduction: Konzo is a neurological disease characterized by a sudden onset of symmetrical and spastic paraparesis due to selective upper motoneuron damage.

Aim: To determine the Cognito-motor modulatory functions of Bambara nut (Vigna subterranea) extract in improperly processed bitter cassava (Manihot esculenta) flour Konzo-induced male Wistar rats.

Methodology: Twenty-five (25) Adult Male Wistar rats weighing between 180–200g were randomly divided into five (5) groups of five rats per group. The rats were allowed to acclimatize for 2 weeks. Konzo was induced following unprocessed bitter cassava flour feeding for a period of three weeks and fed with Bambara nut (BN). Feeding was as follows for 28 days: Group 1: Control group - rats in this group were fed with water and rat feed; Group 2 rats were fed with improperly processed bitter cassava flour to induce Konzo: Groups 3-5 rats were fed with different doses of Bambara nut extract 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg respectively. Neurobehavioral assessments were conducted weekly using barnes maze and hand grip tasks to assess cognition, perception, motor functions and muscular strength. The data was analyzed using Graphpad Prism and Microsoft Excel 2019.

Results: In weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 trials, konzo-induced rats (Group 2) displayed significantly increased trial times for both cognitive and motor functions compared to Group 1 rats (p < 0.05). Administration of graded doses of BN extract amongst Groups 3, 4, and 5 rats resulted in significant reduction in trial times compared to Group 2 rats (p < 0.05), suggesting a possible modulatory function of the extract of Bambara nut in bitter cassava induced neurotoxicity.

Conclusion: Bambara nut extract improved cognito-motor functions in a dose dependent manner, resulting in a possible prevention of Konzo in male Wistar rats.