Sub-acute studies on the effects of trona consumption at varied low doses on male fertility and antioxidant properties using Wistar Rats

Geologically known as trona, evaporite, or locally known as greyish potash, akanwu, or kaun, it serves a multitude of purposes in Nigeria. These include, but are not limited to, softening legumes and flesh, augmenting the therapeutic attributes of herbal expectorant remedies, and reducing male libido or fertility. The unrestricted consumption and accessibility of this salt in the local markets of Anambra State, Nigeria, are due to its affordability and accessibility. Currently, there is no investigation into the comprehensive impact of potash's antioxidant properties at various low doses on male fertility. This led to a study that lasted for 28 days and involved rats weighing between 120 g and 140 g. The rats were separated into four groups, with each group consisting of seven rats. Group A was the control group, while groups B, C, and D were the test groups administered doses of 150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 450 mg/kg of potash, respectively. At the end of the study, the antioxidant properties of potash were tested. Prostate, gland, testis, and blood were collected and analyzed. Data was analyzed with the statistical social science (SPSS) version 27. Results were presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the mean values. Our study found a significant (p<0.05) dose dependent decrease in fertility hormones and semen parameters. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) increased dose-dependently compared to the control. Our findings indicate that trona is rich in antioxidants.