Ameliorative Effects of Vernonia amygdalina and Celosia argentea Leaf Extracts on Potassium Bromate-Induced Biochemical Alterations in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of potassium bromate (PB), a widely used food preservative, on kidney and liver function in Wistar rats, as well as the potential ameliorative properties of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) and Lagos spinach leaf (Celosia argentea) extracts. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, PB-treated, PB + bitter leaf extract-treated, and PB + Lagos spinach leaf extract-treated. Kidney and liver function parameters were evaluated to assess the toxic effects of PB and the therapeutic efficacy of the extracts.

PB-treated rats showed non-significant decreases in kidney function parameters such as urea (35.19 ± 0.79 mg/dL), creatinine (1.12 ± 0.09 mg/dL), and sodium (65.14 ± 1.82 mEq/L), alongside an increase in potassium (2.63 ± 0.07 mEq/L) and chloride (51.73 ± 3.41 mEq/L). Similarly, liver function parameters showed minor reductions, except for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which significantly decreased to 10.32 ± 2.06 U/L. Bitter leaf extract treatment caused further reductions in most parameters, with no significant change in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (4.00 ± 0.00 UI). Conversely, Lagos spinach leaf extract treatment improved kidney and liver function, with elevated urea (40.10 ± 0.91 mg/dL), creatinine (1.14 ± 0.02 mg/dL), and LDH (15.60 ± 1.92 U/L).

These results highlight the toxic impact of PB on kidney and liver function and demonstrate the protective roles of bitter leaf and Lagos spinach leaf extracts. Lagos spinach leaf extract showed superior restorative effects, making it a promising natural therapy for PB-induced organ damage