Saudi Journal of Pathology and Microbiology (SJPM)
Volume-3 | Issue-01 | 16-21
Original Research Article
Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Tobacco on Plasma Glucose Level and Biochemical Indices of Male Albino Wister Rats
Ughachukwu PO, Nwozo CM, Okoye NC, Ikebudu SC, Nwafia IN
Published : Jan. 30, 2018
Abstract
Several studies have highlighted the health hazards of cigarette smoking
and other forms of tobacco consumption to include addiction, cancers, cardiovascular
diseases, respiratory disorders, and electrolyte disturbances. However, none has
reported the effect of aqueous leaf extract of tobacco on blood glucose and plasma
concentrations of many electrolytes. This study was designed to find answers to these
questions. Ten male albino Wister rats were randomly divided into test and control
groups of 5 rats each. Each test rat was given 100 mg of aqueous tobacco leaf extract
dissolved in 1.5 mls distilled water once daily for 21 days through an orogastric tube.
Each control rat received 1.5 mls distilled water once daily for the same duration.
After 21 days, blood samples were collected from each rat for the estimation of
plasma concentrations of glucose, sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate,
magnesium, and calcium. Blood samples were collected and plasma concentrations of
glucose, sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium determined. There were no
significant differences in plasma glucose, sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, magnesium,
and calcium in the test and control groups of rats. However, there was a significant
decrease in plasma potassium in the test group compared to the control group of rats
as shown by the mean values of 5.7 ± 0.25 mmol/L and 6.60 ± 0.25 mmol/L
respectively and P value of 0.0005. Orogastric administration of aqueous tobacco leaf
extract produced statistically significant reduction in plasma potassium, but not in
plasma glucose, sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, magnesium, or calcium in male albino
Wister rats.