E3 Journal of Medical Research
E3 Journal of Medical Research Vol. 1 (7) pp. 095-097, August 2012; © E3 Journals; ISSN 2276-9900
A scientific justification of the use of the giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata) haemolymph as oral rehydrant in African traditional practice
Adekunle Odunayo Adejuwon2 * , Oyinade Aina Agboola3 , Joseph Omololu-Aso1 , Adebanke Oluwatosin Adejuwon4 , F. Adenaike5 , E.O.Ogunyemi5 , Christopher A. Adejuwon61 Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University,Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
2 Department of Microbiology,Faculty of Information Technology and Applied Sciences,Lead City University,Ibadan,Nigeria
3 Department of Physical and Health Education,Adeyemi College of Education,Ondo, Ondo State,Nigeria
4 Department of Human Nutrition,College of Medicine,University of Ibadan,Ibadan,Nigeria
5 Department of Chemical Pathology,Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital Complex,Olabisi Onabanjo University,Sagamu campus,Ogun State,Nigeria
6 Department of Chemical Pathology,College of Medicine,University of Ibadan,Ibadan, Nigeria
*Corresponding Author E-mail: adejuwon_ao@yahoo.com
Accepted 5 June 2012
Abstract
Haemolymph of the African Giant land snail (Archachatina marginata) is used as Oral Rehydration Therapy in some Southwestern parts of Nigeria. Biochemical analysis carried out in this study shows that the haemolymph contains low concentrations of glucose and sodium ions, moderate concentrations of bicarbonate, chloride ions and protein and high levels of potassium and magnesium ions, when compared with the normal human plasma. If used as Oral Rehydration Therapy, a supplement of glucose should be added to complement the low glucose content. The low glucose content should not stimulate a comparative excessive production of insulin. Its low sodium content should not increase blood pressure.
Keywords: Giant African land snail; haemolymph; Archachatina marginata; Oral Rehydration Therapy; diarrhea; gastroenteritis; human plasma
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