Effect of Combined Millet and Cabbage Balanced Diet on Thyroid Function in Albino Rats

Abstract

Goitrogens impair thyroid hormone synthesis but is not known if the goitrogen in millet will have antagonistic or synergistic effect on the goitrogen in cabbage. Hence the interactions between millet and cabbage was evaluated using different millet cabbage diet combination in rats. Millet (30%, 60% and 100%), Cabbage juice (30% and 60%), Standard diet were combined to give (10) feedings in three replicates with (2) rats per replicate, using a Randomized Block Design. At the end of 90 day, Serum TSH (mIU/ml) level was found to be significantly elevated (p<0.001) while Serum T₄ (ng/ml) levels was significantly reduced (p<0.001). Serum TSH and T­₄ showed similar pattern for 30% cabbage juice and 30% millet diet on day 90 and day 45. Serum thiocyanate (ng/ml) levels in the treatment groups were not significantly altered (p>0.01). Histopathological analysis of the thyroid gland revealed hyperplasia in rats with 100% millet, while those on 60% and 30% millet were less affected. The results showed no induction of goiter by millet and cabbage but clear evidence of hypothyroidism as shown by elevated serum TSH and decreased serum T₄ levels.

Keywords: Millet, Cabbage, Thyroid Function, Albino Rat.