Effect of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Vernonia amygdalina on Some Indices of Liver, Kidney Function and Lipid Profile in Theobromine Intoxicated Male Albino Wistar Rats

Abstract

The effect of ethanol leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina on some indices of liver, kidney function and lipidprofile in male albino Wistar rats intoxicated with theobromine was investigated. Thirty (30) male Wistar rats weighingbetween 140 g – 160 g used for the study were divided into 6 groups with 5 animals in each group. Group I served as controlwhile Group 2 received 700 mg/kg bw of theobromine daily for 4 days. Group 3 received 400 mg/kg bw of V. amygdalina leafextract daily for 21 days while Groups 4 and 5 were treated with 400 mg/kg bw of V. amygdalina leaf extract for 21 daysbefore and after intoxication with 700 mg/kg bw of theobromine for 4 days respectively. Group 6 was given 700 mg/kg bw oftheobromine daily for 4 days and then allowed for 21 days without treatment. Serum was obtained from whole blood and usedto determine activities of some serum enzymes and lipid profile as well as kidney function. The liver, kidney and heart wereexcised and used for histological studies. The results show significantly increased serum enzyme activities, total cholesteroland LDL cholesterol concentration in Group 2 compared to the control (P < 0.05). HDL cholesterol was significantlydecreased in theobromine treated group when compared to Group 1 (P < 0.05). Administration of V. amygdalina leaf extractalone showed results close to those of the control. Group 4 showed decreased serum enzyme activities, decreased concentrationof total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol while HDL cholesterol was increased significantly when compared to Group 2. Group5 also showed a significant difference in the biochemical indices when compared to Group 2 while Group 6 show decreasedserum enzyme activity that was significant when compared to Group 2. The urea and creatinine concentrations weresignificantly increased in theobromine intoxicated animals while administration of Vernonia amygdalina normalised theseparameters. Histology of the liver, kidney and heart revealed altered cellular architecture following administration oftheobromine (Group 2) while normal histological features were restored after treatment with ethanol leaf extract of V.amygdalina. The study has demonstrated that ethanol leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina ameliorate and protect liver, kidneyand heart of male albino Wistar rats against theobromine induced toxicity and modulates the adverse effects on lipid profile.