EFFECTS OF LIMA BEAN (Phaseolus lunatus) FLOUR ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND GROWTH RECOVERY MALNUTRITION RATS

Incorporating lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) flour can replace and complement the content of proteins, macronutrients, and micronutrients, which may be related to curative effects for malnutrition. Therefore, an in vivo approach was undertaken to demonstrate the effect of lima bean flour on cognitive function and growth recovery in malnourished rats. Four groups of male Wistar rats were included in this study: The control group (N), MAL, MAL+25% LB group, and MAL+50% LB group. Morphometric analysis was used to assess growth recovery. Cognitive tests included Y-Maze, Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT), and Water Maze by Morris (MWM) test, and histopathological examination of the brain sections was conducted on the cerebral cortex and hippocampus by hematoxylin and eosin stains. The biological activity prediction of lima bean active compounds was analyzed by the PASS server using an in-silico study. This study found that lima bean flour increased body weight, length, tail increment, ear length, and leg length in malnourished rats at 50% lima bean concentration, similar to the control group. Lima bean flour showed neuroprotective capabilities by reversing the effects of malnutrition on the cerebral cortex and hippocampus by lowering the percentage of degenerated cells and increasing cognitive and behavioral. Eight bioactive compounds in lima bean extract have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Lima bean flour, a source of complex nutrients, protects against malnutrition systemically in various organ systems, including the brain.