Role of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) extract in prevention of renal toxicity induced by crude petroleum contaminated diets in rats

The efficacy of Vernonia amygdalina against chemical toxicity has attracted attention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective potentials of Vernonia amygdalina methanol extract (BLME) against petroleum toxicity. Thirty six male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were redistributed randomly into six groups of six rats each and fed with growers feed for a period of 30 days according to the following description: Group A = Feed; Group B = Feed + 100 mg kg⁻¹ body weight of BLME; Group C = Feed + 200 mg kg⁻¹ body weight of BLME; Group D = Feed (100 g Feed + 4 mL crude petroleum); Group E = Feed (100 g Feed + 4 mL crude petroleum) + 100 mg kg⁻¹ body weight of BLME; Group F = Feed (100 g Feed + 4 mL crude petroleum) + 200 mg kg⁻¹ body weight of BLME. Animals were sacrificed at the end of the experimental period and the serum and kidney were harvested for biochemical and histological analysis following standard procedures. The data generated were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The study revealed that crude petroleum stimulated alterations in kidney dysfunction makers: urea, creatinine and serum electrolytes which were significantly (P < 0.05) ameliorated by BLME administration relative to control. Oxidative stress markers, lipid peroxidation and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant profiles (MDA levels, GSH, Vitamin C. FRAP, CAT, SOD, GPx, GSTs) as well as oxidase enzymes (AO, SO, MO and XO) induced changes by crude petroleum were positively modulated by BLME administration. The study concluded that crude petroleum contaminated diets are injurious to animal health and BLME is able to prevent the renal dysfunction induced by crude petroleum contaminated diets.