Effect of supplementation of laboratory chow with leaf of Rumex acetosa (sorrel) on body weight and serum levels of amino acids and minerals in rat

The biological value of Rumex acetosa (sorrel) leaf was assessed in rats by comparing the weight gained and serum levels of amino acids and minerals in rats fed standard laboratory diet with those of rats fed laboratory chow mixed with the leaf in the proportion of 20% or 50%. Each diet adequately supported growth, with progressive gain in weight being recorded in each case. At the end of the fifth week, the growth rates of rats fed 50%-supplemented diet were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of rats fed 20%-supplemented or control diets. The high fibre content in the leaf did not seem to affect bioavailability of dietary amino acids and minerals as shown by the almost identical serum profiles of total protein, amino acids and minerals in test and control rats. The significant weight gain observed in rats fed 50%-supplemented diet, compared with the control rats, suggests that the leaf is of high nutritive value.