Irvingia gabonensis (Irvingiaceae) is a Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP), known for its edible fruits. Its ethnobotanical aspects are widely discussed in the literature. This study investigates the effect of supplementation with Irvingia gabonensis almond powder on biochemical and pharmacological parameters in rats. Different feeding formulations were prepared by incorporating varying percentages (75%-25%, 50%-50%, and 25%-75%) of dried and ground Irvingia gabonensis almonds into Ivograin pellets, a basic rat food. For this purpose, 20 growing rats were separated into four groups of five each. These rats were fed ad libitum every day for 28 days with the formulated foods. This study shows that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in blood glucose levels between rats on supplemented diets and the control group. However, the effect of Irvingia gabonensis almonds powder was significantly weaker (p < 0.05) on lipid parameters (triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol), liver markers (AST, ALT), kidney markers (urea, creatinine) and atherogenic indices (RR, CA, AIP, and RC) compared to the control group. These results suggest that the almonds of Irvingia gabonensis fruit could be a good dietary supplement. Indeed, its regular consumption has beneficial effects for the prevention of overweight, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
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