Effects of Methanolic Extract of Vernonia amygdalina on Electrolytes and Renal Biomarkers in NaCl – Induced Hypertensive Male Wistar Rats

Vernonia amygdalina popularly called bitter leaf is used in traditional medicine to treat fever, malaria, diarrhoea, dysentery and diabetes. They serve as laxatives and fertility inducer. They are commonly used as vegetable. The effects of methanolic extract of Vernonia amygdalina on electrolytes and renal biomarkers in NaCl- induced hypertensive male wistar rats were assessed. Forty wistar rats (120-160) g were assigned to 5 groups of eight rats each. Group 1,2,3,4 and 5 constitute the normal, hypertensive group, VA (200 mg/kg bwt) group, VA (400 mg/kg bwt) group and reference drug (lisinopril, 30 mg/kg) group respectively. Group 3 and 4 were given the extract through oral gavage for 4 weeks while group 5 was given the reference drug. All groups except group 1 were induced with 8% NaCl for 0- 4weeks before treatment with VA and reference drug for 4-8weeks. Phytochemical analysis of Vernonia amygdalinashowed the presence of phenol, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and steroids. The biochemical results showed significant (p=0.05) decrease in serum sodium and chloride after treatment with VA (200 mg/kg bwt), VA (400 mg/kg bwt) and lisinopril. Serum urea and creatinine showed significant (p=0.05) increase after induction of hypertension when group 1 (at 4 weeks) was compared with the treatment groups: VA (200 mg/kgbwt), VA (400 mg/kg bwt) and lisinopril (30 mg/kg). The increase in urea and creatinine decreased after treatment with the VA extract but not in reference group. In conclusion, VA extract contains useful phytochemicals that may enhance the proper functioning of the kidney when supplemented in hypertensives.