Serum Concentrations of Some Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium and Bicarbonate) in Wistar Rats Fed with Carrot<i> </i>(<i>Daucus Carota</i>) Extract

Background to the study: Plasma electrolytes regulate many physiological processes necessary for cellular survival. The present study investigated the effects of carrot (Daucus carota) extract on serum concentrations of some electrolytes (sodium, potassium and bicarbonates) in wistar rats. Methodology: The study involved 28 male wistar rats separated into 4 groups of 7 rats each. Group 1 served as control and was given distilled water, whilst groups 2, 3 and 4 served as test groups and were given aqueous extract of Daucus carota at daily doses of 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 days and thereafter the animals were sacrificed under anesthesia and blood samples collected for determination of serum potassium, sodium and bicarbonate concentrations using standard laboratory techniques. Results and Discussion: The results of our study showed that daily oral administration of 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg carrot extract caused a dose-dependent increase in the serum concentrations of potassium, sodium and bicarbonates, although not significantly. However, administration of 600mg/kg of carrot extract caused a significant increase in sodium concentration. Therefore, increasing the daily dosage of carrot might distort the physiological homeostatic processes with resultant significant increase in plasma sodium concentration. Excessive consumption of dietary sodium is discouraged because of risk of developing cardiovascular and other disorders. Conclusion: Conclusively, moderate consumption of carrot did not have any significant effect on the serum concentrations of potassium, sodium and bicarbonates and by implication did not alter the physiologic homeostatic processes. Higher doses of carrot extract significantly increased serum sodium necessitating cautious consumption of large amounts of carrot.