Tiger nut and vocal folds healing education: Epithelization and histological investigations

Abstract

This study investigated lead (Pb) metal intoxication and the ameliorating effects of tiger nuts and vitamin C (Vit C) on the vocal folds as a means of vocal education for theater performers. Lead is a component of paints, batteries, water pipelines, and lubricants for agricultural equipment and automobiles. It enters the body through plant-based edibles, lead-contaminated air, and water. Its versatility and ability to withstand corrosion, its residential and industrial applications, ignite public health concerns to humans and animals as it bioaccumulates. The antioxidant and radical-scavenging properties of Tiger nuts informed this study. Thirty-six (36) male Wistar rats, 150-200 g body weight, were categorized into six groups (n=6) for the study. Control (Distilled water only), Lead (40 mg/kg only), Low Tiger Nut + Lead (TN 5 mL/kg) + Pb (40 mg/kg), Medium Tiger Nut + Lead (TN10 mL/kg) + Pb (40 mg/kg), High Tiger Nut + Lead (TN 20 mL/kg) + Pb (40 mg/kg), vit C (200 mg/kg) + Pb (40 mg/kg). All administrations were done through oral gavage for 14 days. Thereafter, the rats were weighed, sacrificed, and vocal folds dissected out for histological analysis. In comparison to the control and other treatment groups, the Lead group (Pb) had squamous epithelial metaplasia, hyperplasia, ulceration, and mucosal inflammation of the vocal fold. Epithelization in the Tiger Nut-treated group increased with dose, while the vitamin C group (vit C), had considerable amelioration. In conclusion, tiger nut and vitamin C have beneficial effects on vocal fold healing following lead intoxication.