Comparative investigations of the effects of Kanwa (Trona) and Tokansenyi (plant potash) on liver and kidney of albino rats

Abstract

Kanwa (Trona) and Tokansenyi (Plant potash) are food tenderizers that are commonly used in developing countries especially. Their advantage in improving texture of food and in health cannot be over emphasized.However, long-term consumption of these salts has some health implications. Therefore this study is to compare the effects of these two salts onalbino rats so as to determine which one is safer. Albino rats were grouped into three groups, with the first group as control, second group contains water with three grams of Tokansenyi and the third group contains water with three grams of Kanwa. Blood samples for liver and kidney function test were collected after six weeks. Organs (liver and kidney) were also collected for histological studies. The salts element composition were analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrophotometry (ICP-MS). At end of the period of treatments no mortality was recorded and no any visible sign of toxicity. The results obtained for liver and kidney enzymes concentration AST, ALT and ALP; for both treatments shows significant difference (P < 0.05) as compared with the control.The total bilirubin concentration for blood of albino rats treated with Kanwa shows significant difference (P < 0.05). The concentration of urea in both treatments also shows significant difference (P < 0.05) as compared with control. The histological results for liver treated with kanwa revealed a sinusoid with bodies stained with deep red colouration, enlarged nuclei and distorted cord-like arrangement of hepatocytes. The histological results for kidney treated with Kanwaalso revealed a degenerated collecting duct and inflammated glomeruloid. The elemental composition of both salts showed similar concentration for most of the elements including the toxic ones. However, some elements like Mo, Mn and Co showed higher concentration in Tokansenyi as compared to Kanwa. The study revealed that Tokansenyi is safer for the liver and kidney as compared with Kanwa (Trona). The study has shown that Tokansenyi and relatively safer than Kanwa. © 2018 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.