There are safety concerns as regards the consumption of Calabash chalk which is common practice in some localities in Africa and Asia. Calabash chalk contains lead (Pb) and arsenic which are believed to be harmful to the brain and responsible for cognitive dysfunction. It is possible that calabash chalk consumption may affect other neuronal activities in the body such as locomotion and social behaviour. Hence, this present research study investigated the effects of consumption of this diet on locomotion and social behaviour in mice. Forty-five Swiss white mice of mixed sex were randomly assigned into 3 groups of 15 mice each. Group 1 served as control, while groups 2 and 3 received low and high doses of calabash chalk diets respectively. Feeding lasted for 30 days and thereafter their locomotor and social behaviors were assessed. Their locomotor behaviour was assessed using the open field maze while their social behaviour was studied with the aid of nesting behaviour test. Results showed that the calabash chalk diet-fed mice had significantly reduced (p < 0.05) line crossing frequency compared to control. The nesting score of the calabash chalk diet-fed mice was significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to control. In conclusion, consumption of calabash chalk impairs locomotion and social behaviour in mice.

No abstract

Purpose Chilli pepper (Capsicum annum), an extensively cultivated vegetable, is commonly used to spice many dishes prepared in several parts of the world. It contains capsaicinoids. The most active amongst these capsaicinoids is capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide), which is neurogenic and so may affect nervous function. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of long-term consumption of chilli pepper and capsaicin diets on pain and social behaviour in CD-1 Swiss white mice. Design/methodology/approach In total, 30 male mice were randomly assigned into three groups of ten mice each, namely, control, pepper-diet (20 per cent w/w) and capsaicin-diet (10 per cent w/w) groups. Tail immersion, hot plate and formalin tests were conducted to assess pain perception, while nesting behaviour test was used to evaluate the social behaviour of the mice. Findings The latency of tail flick of both the pepper and capsaicin groups were significantly longer (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively) compared to control. The hind paw lick frequency, duration and flinching of both the pepper and capsaicin groups were also significantly reduced compared to control. The nesting score of the capsaicin group was significantly higher (p < 0.01) compared to control. However, the nesting score for pepper group was significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to capsaicin group. Originality/value Long-term consumption of capsaicin and pepper diets suppressed pain and enhanced organized social behaviour in mice. One of the active principles responsible for the effects obtained with pepper on pain and social behaviour in mice may be capsaicin.

No abstract

No abstract