Calcium carbide-ripened plantain induced alterations in plasma electrolytes concentration and kidney function in rats

Abstract

Introduction: Artificial fruit ripening agents such as ethanol, ethylene, ethephon, and calcium carbide (CaC2) is usually employed in stimulating the fruit ripening process. Currently, there is a paucity of information regarding the effects of various artificial fruits ripening methods on the health status of consumers. In this study, the physiological effects and possible health hazards associated with the consumption of plantain ripened by CaC2 and other non-chemical methods on the kidneys were investigated. Methods: Artificially ripened plantain was mixed with rat feed and fed to Wistar albino rats for four weeks, and the levels of plasma electrolytes (Na+, HCO3−, K+, and Cl−), urea, creatinine, as well as histological changes in the kidneys were determined. Results: Results indicated that rats fed with carbide-ripened plantain had a significantly high level of plasma bicarbonate (HCO3−) compared to control rats., but there was no difference in the level of plasma sodium (Na+). However, the levels of plasma potassium (K+) and chloride (Cl−) were significantly low in rats fed with CaC2-ripened plantain as compared to the control rats. Furthermore, the levels of urea and creatinine were significantly high in rats fed with CaC2-ripened plantain compared to the control animals. Histological analyses showed glomeruli atrophy and tubular necrosis in kidneys of rats fed with CaC2-ripened plantain, thereby further indicating toxicity to the kidneys. Conclusions: Histological evidence and alterations in the level of the plasma electrolytes, urea, and creatinine suggest that consumption of fruits ripened with calcium carbide may be harmful to the kidneys.

Substância usada no amadurecimento de frutas pode causar lesão renal e distúrbios hidroeletrolíticos

“…Em artigo publicado no Brazilian Journal of Nephrology 5 , pesquisadores da Universidade de Benin, Nigéria, observaram que ratas alimentadas com bananas (Musa paradisíaca) artificialmente amadurecidas com CaC 2 apresentavam alterações eletrolíticas e renais. Ratas alimentadas com bananas amadurecidas naturalmente não apresen taram tais alterações.…”

Substance used in the ripening of fruits can cause kidney damage and water and electrolytic disorders

“…In an article published in the Brazilian Journal of Nephrology 5 , researchers from the University of Benin, Nigeria, reported that female rats fed bananas ( Musa paradisíaca ) artificially ripened with CaC 2 showed electrolyte and renal alterations. Rats fed naturally ripened bananas showed no such changes.…”