Background: The use of snuff has resurfaced globally with an increasing trend among Nigerian populace.
Aim of the study: The research aimed to survey snuff use, effect of special moringa sundu (SMS) and smokeless tobacco (ST) on brain antioxidants and acetylcholinestrase (AchE) in vivo.
Material and methods: 300 people were interviewed using questionnaire, on the consumption rate and effects of some snuff brands. Thereafter, 30 Wister albino rats (110-120g) were randomly divided into five groups to investigate the effects of two brands in vivo. Group1 (control) received only distilled water daily. Groups 2 and 3 (received 6mg and 3mg /kg b.w.t of ST respectively), groups 4 and 5 (received 6mg and 3mg / kg b.w.t of SMS respectively). After two months, brains of all rats were isolated, homogenized and analyzed.
Results: Survey revealed that 70 % use combination of different brands for sexual enhancement, 45 % use SMS while 15 % use ST for headache, vision, and itching. Animal studies revealed non-significant increase in SOD and GPx activities in groups 2, 3, and 4 compared to control, with concomitant increase in GSH levels. While a significant increase (p˂ 0.5) in MDA was detected in groups 2, 4 and 5. Brain AchE activity decreased significantly in both group 2 and 3 but increased significantly in group 4 and 5 compared to the control.
Conclusion: Oxidative stress is inhibited by SMS but induced by high dose ST while acetylcholinestrase activity is induced by SMS but inhibited by ST.