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ABSTRACT
The part of earth man eats processed or unprocessed is called “Edible clay” which is mainly consumed by pregnant women and children in specific region of the world. Although there are beneficial effects of its consumption, other studies have shown that its consumption tends to expose consumers to heavy metal toxicity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of this clay on the renal function of Female Wistar rats. Forty (40) female wistar rats weighing 150-250g were used and the study was conducted for 28days. The animals were sorted into four groups named group 1 to 4 and further subdivided into 2 groups tagged week 2 and week 4 with five rats each (n=5). Group 1 was the control and orally received distilled water, while groups 2-4 received doses of eko suspension ranging from 400mg/kg (low dose), 800mg/kg (medium dose) and 1600mg/kg (high dose) of the clay throughout the experiment. Five rats from each group were sacrificed on the second and fourth week. The results obtained showed that there was a significant decrease in urea concentration, and potassium ion concentration, while there was a significant increase in creatinine and bicarbonate concentration during the 2nd week. There was no significant change in sodium ion and chloride concentration when compared with control during the 2nd week. During the 4th week there was a significant increase in urea concentration, creatinine, and bicarbonate ion concentration and no significant change in sodium, potassium, and chloride ion concentration when compared to control respectively during the 4th week. In the 12 histology, there was normal architecture and increased blood flow seen in all doses with medium does having more evidence of increased blood flow leading to active interstitial congestion (CO). Prolonged ingestion of Edible clay has an effect on renal functions.
