Evaluation of Extract Fractions of Vernonia calvaona on Hormonal Parameters and Histopathological Changes in Male Albino Wistar Rats Exposed to Heavy Metals Laden Water

Abstract

Antioxidative potential of Vernonia calvaona on heavy metals induced toxicity in male albino wistar rats. thirty (30) albino rats weighting 90-120g were divided into six groups of five rats each. With the exception of the normal control (NC) group, all other groups were exposed to heavy metals laden water twice daily. Groups 1 and 2 served as normal (NC) and Positive control (PC) controls. Groups III were administered heavy metals laden water and vitamin C (0.0167g/g.b. w). Groups IV were administered heavy metals laden water and 400mg/kg b.w of aqueous crude extracts of Vernonia calvaona. Group V were administered the heavy metals laden water and 400mg/kg b.w of methanol extracts of Vernonia calvaona. Group VI were administered heavy metals laden water and 400mg/kg b.w of n-Hexane fraction of Vernonia calvaona. Administration of treatment was done onces daily for a period of 30 days. Rats were sacrificed and samples collected for analysis. There was increase (p<0 .05) in the concentration of testosterone in PC group (3.60mg/ml) when compared to NC (1.80mg/ml). Groups III, IV, VI, showed significant (P>0.05) decreases in serum testosterone concentration when compared to PC group. There was increase in the conc. Of PSA in the PC group II, when compared to the NC. FSH Conc in group II compared to NC groups show a significant decrease. Groups III showed an (P>0.05) increases in serum FSH concentration when compared to PC group. The PC group showed decreases in LH concentration compared to Normal Control. In conclusion, the changes observed in this study revealed that heavy metals adversely affected the gonads, causing alterations in the levels of major hormones. Furthermore, the extracts were able to exert varied degrees of ameliorative effects with the crude extract showing greatest potential at managing the heavy metals induced irregularities, and at reversing testicular damage.