Hepatotoxic Nature of Potash (Kaun) in Wistar Rats

Background: The use of potash as food additive without a recourse to its adverse effect is on the increase in Nigeria.

Aim: This study is designed to assess its effect on hepatic indices of Wistar rats.

Methodology: Potash was locally sourced in a market in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Thirty Wistar rats were acclimatized for seven days, grouped into five and it comprises of six animals respectively. Group A were given distilled water, whereas the treatment groups received 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, 750 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight of potash for twenty-eight days via oral route of administration. The Wistar rats were anaesthetized using diethyl ether, sacrificed then whole blood needed for the study were obtained through cardiac puncture. Biochemical parameters needed for liver function test were analyzed using standard protocol from the manufacturer.

Results: It was revealed that potash administration at higher dose is toxic and perturbs hepatic biomarkers.

Conclusion: From the results of this study, potash is hepatotoxic; therefore, discontinuation of potash consumption needs to be recommended.