Effect of Calcium Carbide-Ripened Bananas and Protective Role of Glycine and Blackseed Oil on Liver and Kidney Function
), G.O Afolayan(2), Y.R. Ajigbotesho(3), R.A. Matti(4),
(1) Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
(2) Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
(3) Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
(4) Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
Corresponding Author
Abstract
Background: Artificial fruit ripening with calcium carbide remains widespread in low- and middle-income countries because it is inexpensive and readily available, despite being banned for human consumption. Given the growing presence of chemically ripened fruits in many communities, there is an urgent need to identify affordable dietary interventions that may mitigate organ damage.
Method: Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into ten groups and fed composite diets containing either naturally ripened (control), calcium carbide–ripened, arseniccontaminated, or market-ripened bananas, with some groups receiving glycine or black seed oil supplementation for four weeks. After treatment, blood, liver, and kidney samples were analyzed for biochemical markers, heavy metal content, and tissue histology.
Results: Results showed that rats fed calcium carbide–ripened or arseniccontaminated bananas had significantly elevated liver and kidney biomarkers such as
AST, ALT, ALP, creatinine, and urea (p<0.0001), indicating organ damage. Histological analysis revealed severe tissue alterations, including hepatic hemorrhage, fibrosis, glomerular shrinkage, and tubular dilation. Heavy metal analysis confirmed high arsenic and cadmium accumulation in these groups.
Glycine supplementation markedly improved biochemical profiles, reduced tissue damage, and lowered heavy metal accumulation, demonstrating strong hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects. Black seed oil also offered protective benefits, particularly in the market-ripened group, though it was less effective under heavy arsenic exposure. Periodic Acid–Schiff staining showed significant glycogen depletion in affected groups, with partial restoration in those treated with glycine or black seed oil.
Conclusion: Artificially ripened bananas, especially those treated with calcium carbide or arsenic, pose serious risks to liver and kidney health. Glycine consistently mitigated these toxic effects, while black seed oil provided moderate protection. These findings emphasize the urgent need for strict regulation of artificial fruit ripening and highlight glycine as a promising dietary intervention against food-related organ toxicity.Article Metrics
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