Biochemical Effectiveness of Cocoa Powder on Electrolytes Homeostasis, Liver and Cardiac Specific Enzymes and Renal Function

Cocoa beans are main ingredient of chocolate, cakes, cookies and coffee. Cocoa have health benefits effects, previously reported. This study was designed to evaluate the health effects of cocoa powder on different biochemical parameters. For this purpose 12 Male Albino Wistar rats were divided in to 2 groups (n = 6). Group I remain healthy control rats; Group II received cocoa powder at a dose of (1 g/kg b.w.) for 21 consecutive days orally. Biochemical analysis was evaluated by electrolytes homeostasis, liver specific enzymes, kidney markers and LDH cardiac specific enzyme. The cocoa-treated rats showed decreased intra-erythrocytes potassium, increased Na+-K+-ATPase, decreased direct bilirubin, increased plasma potassium, increased ALT level. Decreased mean body weight was observed. No mortality and sign of toxicity was observed at this dose. Considerable changes were observed in biochemical parameters after chronic administration of cocoa powder.