Abstract:
The use of crude kerosene as a dietary supplement in boarding schools has been a common
practice in east Africa and other countries for many years, with the belief of it reducing the
sex drive (libido) at the pubertal stage. There is however no scientific basis for this belief.
The present study aimed at using a rat animal model to investigate the effects of crude
kerosene on serum testosterone levels, aggression and its possible toxic effects. Fifteen
male albino rats of approximately similar age and average weights were put into three
groups of five animals each; the control group (placebo), low kerosene dose (10 l/day)
group and high kerosene dose (300 l/day) group. ELISA was used to determine the serum
testosterone levels. During treatment, changes in aggression were observed and noted.
Liver toxicity was determined using enzyme assays, total protein and albumin while renal
toxicity was monitored using serum creatinine levels. A full hemogram was conducted
to determine hematological effects. Various tissue biopsies were obtained and examined
using histopathological techniques for evidence of toxicity. Contrary to the common belief,
our findings showed an overall increase of serum testosterone levels of up to 66% in the
low dose and 75% in the high dose groups, with an increasing trend by the end of the
study. The high dose group showed significantly increased levels of white blood cells (WBC)
(p = 0.036), red blood cells (RBC) (p = 0.025), hematocrit (HCT) (p = 0.03), red cell distribution
width (p = 0.028) and platelets (p = 0.017). The histological results of the stomach indicated
chronic gastritis.
