Histological and hormonal studies of calabash chalk on ovarian function in adult female wistar rats

Abstract

Introduction: Calabash chalk is a naturally occurring mineral, chiefly composed of fossilized sea shells. It is prepared from clay and mud mixed with other ingredients, including lead, arsenic, sand and wood ash. Clay consumption is correlated with pregnancy, and also to eliminate morning sickness in women. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of calabash chalk on the ovarian function in adult female Wistar rats. Methods: Eighteen (18) adult female Wistar rats. Group A served as the control group, group B received 40 mg/kg body weight of Non-salted calabash chalk while group C received 40 mg/kg body weight of Salted calabash chalk for 14 days. On day 15, the animals were sacrificed for histological and biochemical examination. Results: Results showed a significant (P˂ 0.05) reduction in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels of the treatment groups when compared with the control group and an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels of the treatment groups when compared with the control group. Histological examination of the ovaries showed severe deterioration of the ovarian follicles, necrosis and follicular atresia. Conclusion: Calabash chalk is toxic to ovarian function. These alterations have been shown to be the leading cause of infertility in female rats. Hence, proper monitoring, education, and regulation of the product is needed.

The effect of calabash chalk on the uterus of adult female Wistar rats

“…This coating prevents the absorption of beneficial nutrients which results to poor nutrition and loss of weight. This is in line with Oyewopo et al [13] who reported a reduction in weight in the treated group when compared to control.…”

“…Exposure to higher levels of lead can cause problems in pregnancy as well as learning and behavioural problems in young children [11,12]. Previous reports have shown that calabash chalk causes ovarian follicle atresia, vacuolation and necrosis [13], fragmentation of the liver parenchymal cells and dilatation of hepatic sinusoids [14], demineralization of the femur bone and alteration in growth rate [15]. Further research also showed calabash chalk to cause enlargement of the spleen [16], oedema and haemorrhage in the stomach mucosa, koilocytic and hyperkeratosis changes in the mucosa of the oesophagus [8].…”

Chemical analysis of calabash chalk and its effect on locomotor activities and behavior in Swiss albino mice

“…According to the CDC, blood lead concentration in humans should be less than 5 μg/dl [ 8 , 9 ]. Prolonged exposure to these metals is reported as a cumulative toxicant and affects almost every organ in the body including the central and peripheral nervous system, hematopoietic system, cardiovascular system, reproductive system, kidney, and bones [ 2 , 12 , 14 , 30 , 31 ].…”

“…lead, Arsenic) can cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger various consequences including neurotoxicity which may lead to increased anxiety, and behavioral dysfunctions [ 2 , 13 ], decreased IQ, and overall cognitive development [ 4 ]. Moreover, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, hunger and thirst centers are reportedly affected by the consumption of calabash chalk [ 3 , 14 ].…”

Evaluation of the effects of calabash chalk on the haematological profile of Wistar rats

“…Several reports documenting experimental evidence of some of the hazardous effect of calabash chalk has shown it to cause alteration in the growth of the femur bone (Ekong et al, 2012), gastrointestinal disorders (Moses et al, 2012), alterations in the cerebral cortex of foetuses (Ekanem et al, 2015), ovarian, uterine and gestational toxicity and (Oyewopo et al, 2017;Aprioku and Ogwo-Ude, 2018;Opara and Nwagbaraocha, 2018), alteration in lipid and electrolyte profile (Alli and Nafiu, 2017), haematoxicity and hepatotoxicity (Akpantah et al, 2010;Ogbuagu et al, 2017). Despite the negative health effects of consumption of calabash chalk, the consumption has continued unabated.…”