Chibuzo Carole Nweze, Eneh William Nebechukwu*, Wando Tsea, Rahima Yunusa, Happy Abimiku Manasseh and Adedikpe Lateefat Bisola
Different studies proved the likelihood of remnant of some component of preservative on seeds and grains after a long period of time. Dichlorvos (2, 2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate), aluminium phosphide are commonly used by local farmers and retailers in controlling insects. This research was aimed at evaluating the effect of vigna unguiculata treated with some preservatives on the biochemical parameters of albino wistar rats. Thirty six (36) male albino wistar rats of known body weight were assigned into six (6) groups of 5 rats each. The seed was weighed 1 kg into five sections, each treated with the selected preservative dichlorvos, aluminium phosphide, pepper and ash respectively, sealed and kept in an airtight bucket and left for six months. After preservation, the treated sample was grounded into fine powder. They rats were fed with the sample according to their groups for a period of two months. Thereafter, the rats were euthanized and blood samples were collected through throat slitting. The hematology, liver enzymes, CRP and kidney function parameters were analyzed using standard methods. A significant (P<0.05) increase was observed in liver enzymes in the Ash and pepper groups compared to the control. CRP increased significantly (P<0.05) in the rats exposed to sample preserved with ash compared to the control. No significant (P<0.05) difference was observed in the level of differentials in all the groups compared to control. PCV level decreased significantly (p<0.05) in the group exposed to sample preserved with pepper, aluminium phosphide, dichlorvos and ash compared to the control. WBC and platelet decreased significantly (p<0.05) in group exposed to sample preserved with ash compared to the control. There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in the level of urea and creatinine in dichlorvos group compared to control. A significant (P<0.05) difference was observed in the level of serum electrolytes in pepper and ash compared to the control. This research revealed the alteration in the biochemical parameters of adult male albino wistar rat analyzed after exposure to the treated samples, which indicates the toxic effect of the residual component of the preservative. Pepper and wood preserved samples also alters the biochemical parameters hence suggesting the possibility of presence of toxic residual components or possible contamination.
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