Evaluation of Activities of Bitterleaf (Vernonia Amygdalina) Extract on Haemostatic and Biochemical Profile of Induced Male Diabetic Albino Rats

Abstract

The activities of (Vernonia amygdalina) aqueous extract on the haemostatic, haematological and biochemical profile of induced male diabetic albino rats were investigated. Twenty one (21) male albino rats (7-8 months) within the weight range of 130-150g were used. They were placed into three groups each consisting of seven rats. Group 1 (control), Group 2 (induced diabetic rat on bitter extract).and Group 3 (Induced diabetic rats on dianil tabs). They were kept in iron cage with constant light source (12 hrs per day) in animal house and for two weeks with normal rat feed. 1.0ml of the extract was administered daily to each of the rat using blunt syringe for 28 days in addition to their rat feed. The control group received clean water instead of the extract. 2.0ml of blood sample were collected via cardiac puncture from both the test rats and the control rats for analysis. The result obtained in the haemoglobin level estimation and packed cell volume did not indicate much significant difference (p<0.05). The haemoglobin estimation for control rat is 12.8±0.75g/dl, and test rats 12.57±0.46(Group 2) and 13.1±0.6g/dl(Group3). On fasting blood sugar, the value obtained in control rats was 85.5±1.0g/dl and in test rats 68±0.7 (group 2) was 64±2.8mg/dl in (group 3) respectively showing a significant difference (p<0.05). the value obtained in random blood sugar level in control rats (group 1) was 94±8.63mg/dl in control rats, 82.3±3.4mg/dl (group 2) and 80.0±6.0mg/dl (group 3) also indicating a significant difference (p<0.05), in packed cell volume, the value obtained were 37.0±1.2010 (control), 36.0±1.2% (group 2) and 34.0±4.2% (group 3) p<0.05 (not significant). On urine output, the control rats (Ggroup1) was 4.76±0.45ml, while the test rats on aqueous extract feed of veronica amydalina was 3.15±0.3ml and those on dianil was 2.3±0.3ml respectivel. It can be deduced that Vernonia amydalina contains some principles that maybe interfering with insulin production and metabolism causing reduction in glucose level of albino wistar rats. The bleeding and clotting times, Prothrombin times were shortened(p<0.05) indicating interference in haemostatic mechanism of albino rats. Short Running Tittle: Biochemical, diabetic rats, bleeding times, clotting times. I. Introduction Vernonia amydalina commonly called Bitter leaf is a medium sized shrub with petiolate green of about 6mm diameter and elliptic in shape. This leaves have found relevance in traditional folk medicine as anti helmintics, anti malaria, anti microbial, anti cancer and as a laxative herb. This study is designed to evaluate the activity of this herbaceous plant on haemostatic mechanism and biochemical profile of induced diabetic male albino rats. The genus vernonia is named by English botanist William Vernon. Several species of vernonia including V.calvoana, V.amygdalina, and V.colorata are eaten as vegetables (Akah and Okafor1992). Common names for these species include onugbu(Igbo), Ndole (cameroun), Ewuro(Yoruba), Shawaka(Hausa) Oguntola 2013. They are common in most west African and central African countries. The leaves have a sweet and bitter taste and are solid, fresh or dry, and are a typical ingredient in melon(Egusi)soup. The leave can be eaten like spinach in soup or dried too. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common disorder associated with increased morbidity and mortality and can be regarded as a group of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to effective insulin secretion , insulin action or both resulting impaired carbohydrate, lipid, protein metabolism. The use of vernonia amygdalina in the treatment of diabetes mellitus is very common among ethno medical practitioners, hence this research is also aimed at authenticating the use of this herb in treating diabetes by herbalist. Fluids from fresh leaves are pressed out and applied to bleeding cuts and wound and will stop the bleeding of minor wounds (Oguntola, 2013), thus exhibiting a haemostatic property.