Toxicological effects of two major types of potash used as food additives in Nigeria: Biochemical, hematological, and histopathological analysis of major organs in Wistar rats

Trona or natron, often called potash, are evaporites, which are natural salts used unregulated in Nigeria as food additives, particularly to soften hard beans or tenderize tough cow meat, and for medical purposes. A 90-day sub-chronic toxicological study was conducted on Wistar rats weighing 120-140g to investigate the effects of consumption of these natural salts on hematological, histological and biochemical parameters. The experimental design involved 30 rats (n=10), considering attrition of two rats per group. The animals were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was administered potash type A, group 2 administered potash type B while group 3(control) received only food and water. Standard methods were used to analyze all parameters. All results were presented as mean ± SD, with p-values < 0.05 considered significant. Each potash type has LD50s exceeding 5000mg/kg. Potash types significantly increased AST and ALT levels (p<0.05) in liver function measures compared to the control group. In both potash types, creatinine levels were considerably higher (p<0.05) than the control, but Urea levels were not statistically different (p>0.05). Sample A (Trona) reduced RBCs, Hb, and PCV more than sample B (natron) in rats. Both types had WBCs and Platelets that were similar to controls (p>0.05). Effects of potash on four electrolytes :Na+, K+, Cl- and HCO3- shows that potash type B contained elevated (p<0.05) levels of sodium than type A. Our results indicate that chronic consumption of each potash type or even both types, might expose users to hypernatremia, electrolyte imbalance, hematological problems, liver and kidney failures.