Effect of calabash chalk geophagy on the epididymis of adult male Wistar rats

Abstract

Context: Calabash chalk is also known as poto in English. It is a naturally occurring mineral and is chiefly composed of fossilized seashells as constituent. It is traditionally consumed by communities for pleasure and also constitutes major remedy for morning sickness in pregnancy. Objective: This study is aimed at determining the effect of calabash chalk on the body weight and epididymis of adult male Wistar rats. Materials and method: Twenty (20) rats weighing between 180 and 200g were divided into four groups and five rats were assigned to each (A-D). Group A served as control, animals in this group were given rats feed and water only. Group B animals were administered 100mg/kg of dissolved calabash chalk daily. Group C animals were administered 200mg/kg of dissolved calabash chalk. Group D animals were administered 400mg/kg of dissolved calabash chalk. All experimental animals were allowed free access to regular feed and water and were sacrificed on the 56th day of research. Epididymal tissues were harvested for assessment of sperm parameters and histological processing. Results: The results show no statistical significant differences (P>0.05) in the sperm parameters across all groups. Also, there were no significant changes in the contents and histoarchitecture of the epididymes of the treatment groups when compared with the control group. Conclusion: We could conclude that Calabash Chalk has no deleterious effects on the sperm quality and histoarchitecture of the epididymis of adult Wistar rats.

Keywords

• Calabash chalk
• geophagy
• epididymis histoarchitecture
• sperm quality