ABSTRACT
This study was on oxidative stress status of rat fed with Pentraclethra
macrophylla, otherwise known as African oil bean seed oil in English or Ugba in
Igbo. Sixteen male rats were distributed into four groups. 1 (control), then group 2,
3, and 4 as test groups. They were fed with their formulated meal (5%, 10%, 20%
inclussions) for 28 days. Group 1 was the control and were fed with the normal
feed, while group 2, 3 and 4 which were the test groups were fed with test feed
formula.. The parameters determined were MDA concentrations and catalase
activity. Serum MDA significantly increased (p<0.05) while the catalase activity
significantly decreased (p<0.05). This finding may be clinically significant to
individuals with predisposition to increased generation of reactive oxygen species
(ROS) and other degenerative diseases.

1.0. INTRODUCTION
Ugba also called ukpaka is a popular food delicacy in Nigeria especially among
Igbo ethnic group. It is rich in protein and is obtained by a solid state fermentation
of the seed of African oil bean tree (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth).
The natural fermentation of the seed which at present is still done at the house-hold
level, renders the production nutritious, palatable and non-toxic (Enujiugha, 2002).
Its production, like many African fermented foods depends, entirely on mixed
fermentation by microorganism from diverse source.
Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth is a large woody plant abundant in the rain forest
areas of west and central Africa. It’s origin in Nigeria is believed to be around
1937 (Ladipo, 1984); where it is found in the South Nigeria, (Mbajunwa et al.,
1998).
―Ugba‖ Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth belongs to the Family Leguminosae and
sub-family Microsoideae (Keay, 1989 and NFTA, 1995).
Ugba seeds are irregular and oval; they are flat, black and hard pods. It is
composed of oil, protein and small amounts of carbohydrate (Obeta, 1982).
1.1 AIM AND OBJECTIVES
(i) To determine the concentration of Malondialdehyde (MDA, which indicates
the peroxidation status) and
(ii) The activity of Catalase (a marker of antioxidant status) in the serum of rats
fed graded doses of African oil bean seed meal