Effect of Calabash Chalk on Some Haemathological Parameters in Pregnant Wistar Rat

Abstract

Introduction: Calabash chalk, a type of edible clay, is commonly consumed by various individuals, particularly pregnant women, despite containing substances that may cause haematological abnormalities such as anaemia. Aim: This experimental study investigated the effects of calabash chalk consumption on hematological parameters in pregnant Wistar rats during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 Wistar rats comprising of 20 pregnant and 20 non-pregnant rats were selected and assigned to four groups (A-D) each comprising five pregnant and five non pregnant rats. Group A served as control and was fed with standard animal feed and distilled water at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight daily for 21 days. Groups B, C and D received calabash chalk suspension at doses of 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg body weight respectively, along with feed and distilled water for 21days. At the end of the experiment, the rats were anaesthetized, and blood samples were collected from the orbital sinus into ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) sample containers for analysis. The samples were analyzed for hematological parameters (full blood count). Data from pregnant and non-pregnant rats were statistically analysed using the statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.4.  Results were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM). Group comparisons were made using One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results were considered statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval (P< 0.05). Results: Statistical analysis with a significant level set at P< 0.05 showed a significant increase in white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts (P=0.001 and P= 0.002, respectively) compared to control group. Significant decreases were also observed in haematocrit (HCT), haemoglobin (HB), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), with P- values of 0.001, 0.032, and 0.012, respectively. Platelet counts showed significant difference (P=0.001). Conclusion: This study revealed that while calabash chalk may be used for different reasons during pregnancy, it can significantly alter some haematological parameters like haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, white blood cell counts and platelet count, potentially posing health risks due to its constituents.