Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Vernonia amygdalina on High-Fat Diet-Induced Injury in the Heart and Aorta of the Adult Wistar Rat

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina in Wistar rats fed with high-fat diet. 30 adult Wistar rats weighing between 250g and 280g were randomly assigned into 5 groups of 6 rats per group. Group A rats were placed on rat food and water only. Group B rats received 1000mg/kg body weight / day (BWT/D) of margarine. Group C rats received 300mg/kg BWT/D of V. amygdalina. Group D rats received 1000mg/kg BWT/D of margarine and 150mg/kg BWT/D of V. amygdalina. Group E rats received 1000mg/kg BWT/D of margarine and 300mg/kg BWT/D of V. amygdalina. The dosages were given for 56days via orogastric method. The biochemical outcome showed that Group B revealed decrease in high density lipoprotein (HDL) and marked elevation in the total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels when compared with the other groups. Histologcally, Group B showed moderate stenosis, perivascular fibrosis, asymmetrical vascular hypertrophy and mild intimal erosion while Group A, C, D and E revealed normal myocardium and vascular architecture. In conclusion, the aqueous leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina have antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant properties against margarine-induced injury in the heart and aorta of Wistar rats.