Hepatotoxicity Induced By Administration Of Potash In Wistar Rats:- Ogbonna, Precious N

ABSTRACT xi Potash is a type oflake salt (sodium carbonate) that is dry and hydrated in nature. It is described as a mixture ofsalt with other different components. All deposits of potash come originally from evaporate deposites and arc often burned deep below the earth’s surface. Intake of potash is prevalent among many indigenes ofNigeria ranging from Ilausa, Igbos and Yorubas as it used as food additive. This study investigated hepatotoxicity induced by administration of potash in wistar rats”.Thirty two (32) male albino rats were used for this experiment and were grouped into four with eight rats in each group. Group one served as the control and received only water and feed while group 2 received lOOmg/kg of potash, group 3 received 200mg/kg of potash and group 4 received 300mg/kg potash orally for 28 days. The activity of AST, ALT, ALP, were investigated, likewise the concentration of Albumin and total bilirubin. There was a non significant (p<0.05) decrease in mean relative organ weights oftest animals compared to control and scrum analysis showed that mean value of AST, ALT and ALP activity increased in test groups compared to control. Albumin concentration decreased non - significantly (p<0.05) and total bilirubin concentration increased significantly (p<0.05) in test groups compared to control. The histopathological examination ofthe organs reviewed mild distortion to the liver architecture in groups that received lOOmg/kg and 200mg/kg. This study suggest that intake of potash may affect the functions ofthe liver as a vital organ ofthe body