Abstract:

Background: Aspartame may affect metabolism, while Sacoglottis gabonensis phytochemicals can either support or hinder growth depending on the duration of exposure. This study evaluated the impact of aspartame and S. gabonensis on growth performance in male mice. Ninety male mice were assigned to six groups (A-F, n= 15). Group A (control), B (aspartame @ 50mg/kg/bw/day), C (50mg/kg/bw/day of aspartame + 250mg/kg/bw/day of S. gabonensis. ethanolic leaf extract), D (50mg/kg/bw/day of aspartame + 250mg/kg/bw/day of S. gabonensis ethanolic bark extract), E (50mg/kg/bw/day of aspartame + 250mg/kg/bw/day of a combination of bark and leaf extract), and F (50mg/kg/bw/day of aspartame + 500mg/kg/bw/day of a combination of bark and leaf extract.) Each group received the treatment through oral gavage for 12 weeks. Phytochemical analysis of the extract was done using standard procedures. Body weights of the mice were taken twice a week. Data from phytochemical analysis and body weights were subjected to statistical analysis using SAS 9.4. Results revealed that bark extracts contained higher levels of tannins (269.21 mg/kg) and phytates (2410.5 mg/kg), while leaf extracts were richer in flavonoids (2.86%) and alkaloids (7.32%), indicating distinct bioactive and antinutritional profiles. Moreover, no significant difference in weight gain @ weeks 1-4, suggesting short-term adaptation to phytochemicals. At weeks 4-8, group D and F significantly reduced weight gain compared to group B, whereas group C exhibited intermediate gains, likely due to bioactive flavonoids and alkaloids. At weeks 8-12, prolonged exposure to bark-rich (group D) or 500mg/kg/bw/day treatments (group F) resulted in negative or unstable weight gains, while the group A and group B maintained more stable growth trajectories. However, these differences were statistically significant at weeks 5-8 and weeks 8-12 (p < 0.05). S. gabonensis bark is rich in tannins and phytates, and leaves are richer in flavonoids and alkaloids. While short-term intake did not affect growth, long-term consumption—especially of bark extracts—reduced weight gain. Leaf extracts supported moderate growth, suggesting they are more suitable for growth performance than bark extracts, whose prolonged use requires caution.