Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) powder ameliorates pituitary-liver-axis regulation and anti-inflammatory activity in malnourished rats

The endocrine system is critical for adapting to malnutrition, which can disrupt the pituitary-liver axis and induce inflammation, leading to health complications. Lima beans ( Phaseolus lunatus L.), known for their high protein content and anti-inflammatory properties, present a potential nutritional intervention. This study investigated the effects of lima bean powder on pituitary-liver axis regulation and anti-inflammatory activity in malnourished rats. Rats were divided into four groups: Normal (N), Malnourished (MAL), MAL treated with 25% lima bean flour (MAL + 25% LB), and MAL treated with 50% lima bean flour (MAL + 50% LB) for 6 weeks. Proximate composition was determined to analysed its major nutrients and metabolites in the methanol extract were analysed through LC–MS/MS. Parameters such as weight gain, serum albumin, total protein levels, Growth Hormone (GH), Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1), and liver inflammation markers were measured. Bioactive compounds such as L(-)-pipecolinic acid, choline, trigonelline, L-phenylalanine, and oleamide were identified, highlighting the nutritional and therapeutic potential of lima beans. Compared to the N group, the MAL group showed significant decreases in body weight gain, serum albumin, and total protein levels. However, both MAL + 25% LB and MAL + 50% LB groups demonstrated significant improvements in these parameters, approximating the levels observed in the N group. Lima bean supplementation appeared to regulate GH at both the cellular and mRNA levels, positively impacting the pituitary-liver axis. Additionally, the study revealed reduced liver inflammation in the MAL + 25% LB and MAL + 50% LB groups, suggesting the anti-inflammatory properties of lima beans. These findings indicate that lima bean flour supplementation can ameliorate disruptions in the pituitary-liver axis and reduce inflammation in malnourished rats. Graphical Abstract