Effects of Siam Weed (Chromolaena odorata) Leaf Extract on Crude Oil-induced Toxicity

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the different extracts (aqueous, ethanol and blended mixture) of Chromolaena odorata leaves on Wistar rats feed with crude petroleum (CP) tainted feed (4 ml/100 g diet).
 Materials and methods: Twenty-five male Wistar rats weighing 140 -180 g were used for this study. The rats were kept one in a cage. Group A which was the control was allowed diet free of crude oil and were not treated with any of the extracts. Group B were exposed to a diet contaminated with crude oil that contained 4ml of crude oil per 100 gram of animal feed without treatment. Groups C-E were fed with diets contaminated with 4ml of crude oil per 100g of feed and treated with 500mg/Kg-1 bodyweight of aqueous, ethanol and blended mixture of ethanol and aqueous extracts, respectively. The respective extracts and blended mixture were given daily to the rats via oral gavage in line with body weights. The study was for duration of twenty eight days after which the rats were sacrificed under sedation with chloroform. This was followed with collection of blood samples and organs of interest. All samples were stored at 40C and used within forty eight hour for various biochemical analyses.
 Results: There were significant decrease in haematological indices, liver proteins, oxidative enzymes, and antioxidant enzymes when compare with Group 1. Also, liver function maker enzymes, white blood cells (WBC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased by petroleum intoxication. Significant increase were observed in Hb, PCV, RBC, SO, MO, XO, SOD, CAT, albumin, total protein in the serum, liver and kidney; as against decreases in WBC, AST, ALT, ALP and MDA in rats fed crude petroleum (CP) tainted feed that was treated with C. odorata extract. 
 Conclusion: This study showed that administration of C. odorata leaves extracts to rats prevented health risk associated with crude petroleum toxicity.