Alterations in Liver and Blood Profiles Following Oral Administration of Ukwaka (Bentonite Clay) in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background and Aim: Bentonite clay, locally known as ukwaka by the Igbo-speaking communities of Nigeria, is another commonly consumed geophagic material that is largely understudied. Like any other material from the earth's crust, it would be risky to assume that it is safe, as may have been suggested by the lukewarm attitude of the research community towards this practice, mainly by local women in the southeastern part of Nigeria. The aim of this study was to assess hematological and selected serum hepatomarkers alterations that could result from the consumption of bentonite clay (ukwaka) in a Wistar rat model. Methods: A total of twenty adult female Wistar rats were divided into four groups of five rats each. The first group (normal control) received 1 ml/kg of distilled water. Group II received 100 mg/kg of ukwaka solution, Group III was given 200 mg/kg of ukwaka solution, and Group IV was administered 400 mg/kg of ukwaka solution. The administration of ukwaka lasted for 28 days, after which the animals were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected in properly labeled containers. Standard methods were followed for biochemical and hematological investigations. Results: Liver enzyme activity significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner following the administration of ukwaka (p<0.05).A significant reduction in PCV, Hb, and RBC was observed following administration of 400 mg/kg of ukwaka. Conclusion: It was deduced from this study that consumption of ukwaka imposed significant alterations on the hematological and biochemical indices of exposed Wistar rats.