International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review

Food fortification is a well-known technique used to address micronutrient deficiencies in susceptible populations. S. bicolor leaf (SBL) is usually employed as colouring additives in many food preparations but its haematopoietic potential has not been fully explored. This study therefore, investigated the acceptability of fortified S. bicolor formula and its haematopoietic potential in anaemic rats. SBL obtained from market was pulverized into powder, out of which 0.5 g and 0.75 g of pulverized SBL were supplemented into fermented sorghum and made into thick pap, respectively. Questionnaire was designed to access organoleptic acceptability of the pap. Anaemia was induced in rats using 2,4-diphenylhydrazine (40 mg / kg) for the first two days after which the rats were fed with different proportion of fortified S. bicolor formulas from day 3 to day 15. Haematological parameters of the fortified S. bicolor- treated rats were compared to the non-treated group, and the group treated with multivitamin (orheptal) as a standard drug. The organoleptic property of the fortified formula was rated 75% overall in terms of acceptability compared to 85% of the unfortified control sample. The PCV level increased significantly in the treated groups (40%) compared to the untreated group (33%), RBC of all the treated animal groups increased significantly (6%) and Hb (12%). S. bicolor leaf enriched-pap has haematopoietic capabilities and can be an affordable remedy for anaemia. Therefore, it is recommended as functional food for anaemic patient. Conducting clinical trials and production of appealing Sorghum-based food products is hereby suggested.