Effect of Aqueous Extract of Glycine max on Some Iron Profile Parameters in Female Albino Wistar Rats

ABSTRACT Objective/Purpose: The effect of aqueous extract of soybean (Glycine max) on serum iron, serum hepcidin level, serum ferritin, erythroferrone, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and haematological parameters in female albino wistar rat was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Thirty (30) female adult rats were randomly selected into three groups containing 10 rats each. Aqueous extract of Glycine max was prepared and two different concentrations (1000mg/kg and 2500mg/kg) were administered for 21 days to female albino wistar rats. Serum erythroferrone, serum ferritin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), serum iron and serum hepcidin were estimated using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Full blood count was assayed using Mythic 18 haematology analyzer. Independent t test was used to compare between the control group and the test group, while ANOVA was used to compare between the different concentrations of the extract and the control group and result reported in mean±SEM. Results: The results showed a significant increase (P=0.022) in total iron binding capacity in the experimental group (5696±200.7) when compared to controls (3051±430.9). Similarly, there was a significant decrease (P=0.04) in hepcidin in the experimental group (494.5±32.82) when compared to controls (652.2±58.85). The mean erythroferrone concentration was significantly higher (P=0.023) among the experimental group (724.5±18.20) when compared to controls (657.2±14.78). Serum ferritin was also significantly higher (P = 0.015) in the experimental group (1.524±0.2334) when compared to controls (0.7843±0.2444). TIBC and serum erythroferrone were significant higher (p