Evaluation of Some Biochemical Markers among Long Term Herbal Snuff Users in Keffi Town

Abstract

The use of Moringa Herbal snuff is growing rapidly in Nigeria. This research study appears to investigate the use of Moringa Herbal snuff and its potential effects on various biochemical markers among snuff users in Keffi town, Nigeria. The study was conducted in three stages, which included an interview survey, phytochemical screening of four claimed Moringa herbal snuff brands, and a study of the effects of snuff consumption on blood pressure, blood glucose levels, liver and kidney function, and hematological parameters. The survey found that a majority of snuff users reported using snuff for headache, vision, and sexual enhancement. Phytochemical screening of the four snuff brands revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, and terpenoids. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis of Special Moringa Sundu (SMS) revealed the presence of 27 bioactive compounds, including n- Hexadecanoic acid, nicotine, cotinine, trans-13-Octadecenoic acid, and oleic acid. The study found a significant increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure an hour after snuff consumption compared to blood pressure before consumption in the test groups and the control. Blood glucose levels decreased after snuff consumption compared to levels before consumption. The study also found normal liver function in both test and control groups, but a significant increase in urea in all snuff user groups and an increase in creatinine levels only in chronic users (group 4) compared to the control. The white blood cell level was significantly higher among snuff users than the control. Leucocytes counts were normal compared to the control. Overall, the study suggests that Moringa Herbal snuff may be addictive and that persistent consumption may lead to high blood pressure, type2 diabetes, and predisposition to kidney malfunction.