BENEFICIAL EFFECT OF TAMARIND INGESTION ON FLUORIDE TOXICITY IN DOGS

Abstract

SUMMARY: The effect of tamarind ingestion on fluoride retention was studied in three groups of dogs - control (Group I), fluoride-supplemented (Group II), and fluoride and tamarind-supplemented diets (Group III). The urinary excre- tion of fluoride was significantly higher in Group II (2.45 ± 0.39 mg F/day) and Group III (3.78 ± 0.35 mg F/day) as compared to Group I (0.205 ± 0.21 mgF/ day). The difference between Group II and III was also significant. The femur fluoride content of Group II animals (4.0 ± 0.67mg F/gm ash) was significantly higher as compared to that of Group III (2.0 ± 0.52 mg F/gm ash) suggesting a beneficial effect of tamarind ingestion on fluoride retention and toxicity. There were no significant differences in hematological parameters between the groups, although hemoglobin levels and packed cell volume tended to be lower in Group III as compared to Group I. Histopathological study showed that except in kidneys where congestion and tubular changes were greater in experimental groups as compared to control, all other organs were compara- ble between the groups.