Tobacco Snuff Induced Comparative Weight Changes and Notable Physical Observations in Adults Albino Wistar Rats

Abstract

In Nigeria, tobacco snuff is the powdered form of smokeless tobacco blended with potash as its main additive. It has been discovered to have several adverse health effects, though perceived by many as safe. In this eight-week study, the effect of tobacco snuff consumption on body weight, physical observation and growth performance of Wistar rats were investigated. This study involved (42) Adult Wistar rats weighing 150-300g. They were divided into groups of tests and control, group A serving as control, while groups B, C and D of 12 Wister rats each served as the test groups. The test groups were further divided into subgroups (1, 2, 3 and 4) representing four experimental phases of 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks respectively. The rats were fed with varying doses of tobacco snuff, while the control group (A) received feed pallets and water ad libitum. Throughout the study, serial physical and behavioural changes of the rats were recorded as well as the body weights of the rats before sacrifice. Results showed statistically significant weight changes in the test groups throughout the study period as compared with the control. On growth performance, there was an average daily growths increase in the control but decreased in the test groups in a dosage and duration dependent manner. Our findings however, indicate that tobacco snuff has the potentials of body weight reduction and could induce severe growth retardation with adversities.