Abuse of Alabukun consumption: A biochemical and histomorphological study in Rattus norvegicus rats
This study was aimed on the biochemical and histomorphological study of abuse in the consumption of alabukun powder in Rattus norvegicus rats. Five milliliter of blood specimen was collected into lithium heparin bottles from seven rats weighing 240±2g respectively with each of them administered with 0.2mg/kg alabukun powder daily for a period of two weeks (experimental group) while another seven rats weighing 240±2g each were not administered with alabukun powder (control group). Thereafter alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, creatinine and C-reactive protein were measured quantitatively in both groups of rats. The mean values of all the measured biochemical parameters in Rattus norvegicus rats in the experimental group were statistically significant (p<0.05) as compared to that in the control group. This established biochemical finding was in conformity with the histomorphological examination of the kidney and liver organs. In conclusion, this study has established that administration of 0.2mg/kg of alabukun powder on daily basis for a period of two weeks on Rattus norvegicus rats may induce hepato-renal and inflammatory disorders. It is thus recommended that consumption of alabukun powder by humans should strictly be in compliance with its prescription. However, kidney, liver and inflammatory biomarkers should be quantitatively measured in humans that have abused its consumption with a view to ascertain their health status and prevent any deleterious risks.