Impact of Edible Clay (Eko) Suspension on Fasting Blood Glucose and Histology of the Pancreas of Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: The consumption of edible clay by women for its perceived health benefits like detoxification, nutrient supplementation and amelioration of nausea lacks scientific validation and raises concerns about potential health risks. This study was aimed at finding the impact of edible clay suspension on the fasting blood glucose of non-pregnant female Wistar rats.

Methods: Forty female Wistar rats weighing 200 to 250 g were sorted into four groups (1 to 4) and further subdivided into 2 subgroups tagged week 2 and week 4 with five rats each (n = 5). Group 1 served as the control group and were given distilled water orally, while Groups 2–4 were given different doses of edible clay suspension (400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg respectively) through the same route for 28 days. The fasting blood glucose level was recorded on the 1^st, 14^th and 28^th days of treatment. Five rats from each subgroup of groups 1-4, were sacrificed on the 14^th and 28^th days of the experiment.

Results: On the 2^nd week of post-ingestion, fasting blood glucose levels of low-dose animals were significantly higher than those of the control group. There were significant increases in fasting blood glucose levels on the 28^th day of post-ingestion compared with the 1^st and 14^th day for the low and medium dose groups. The histology of the pancreas of animals treated with medium dose showed active stromal and interlobar congestion.

Conclusion: The administration of Edible clay may cause an increase in fasting blood glucose levels and could trigger inflammation in pancreatic tissues.