African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 5 (13), pp. 1279-1283, 3 July 2006   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2006 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Histophysiological and basal metabolic responses of albino rat, Rattus norvegicus (L) exposed to aqueous pepper extracts

Chukwu, L.O.

Aquatic Toxicology and Ecophysiology Laboratory, Department of Marine Sciences,

University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos. E-mail: obinnalcunilag@yahoo.com.

Accepted 22 June, 2006

The effect of oral ingestion of aqueous extracts of two species of pepper, Capsicum annum var fastigatum (Linn) and Capsicum frutescens var minima (Linn) on the basal metabolic rate and histophysiology of the gastrointestinal tract and liver of Rattus norvegicus (L) was investigated.  Body weight data was recorded weekly during the period of investigation.  The various species of pepper produced a decrease in basal metabolic rate as the concentrations of the extract increased.  Gross and histopathological changes observed in the gastrointestinal tract and liver were demonstrated as cellular damage under light microscopy and weight loss.  The implications of these findings are discussed.

Key Words: Histophysiology, metabolic rate, albino rat pepper extracts.