Evaluation of the Protective Effects of Bitter Leaf ( Vernonia amygdalina  ) on Haematological Indices of Rats Fed with Crude Oil Treated Diet

A lot of researches are ongoing on the use of plant to ameliorate the toxicity of various toxicants. This study evaluated the protective effects of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) on haematological indices of rats fed with crude oil treated diet. Twenty four male albino Wister rats with weight range of 200.75g – 217.54g were used for the experiment and were randomly assigned to six groups: group A: Control; group B: Fed with 100g of feed + 5.0g of bitter leaf; group C: Fed with 100g of feed +10.0g of bitter leaf; group D: Fed with 100g of feed + 10g of bitter leaf + 4.0ml of crude oil; group E Fed with 100g of feed + 5.0g of bitter leaf + 4.0ml of crude oil; group F: Fed with100g of feed + 4ml of crude oil. The results showed that treatment of diets with bitter leaf minimized crude oil toxicity, as red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration; hematocrit values and white blood cell indices were maintained close of the control values. This study indicates that intake of bitter leaf reduced the toxic effect of crude oil treated diet on animals. Therefore, consumption of bitter leaf should be encouraged among the inhabitants of crude oil bearing communities of the world who are exposed to crude oil contaminated food and water.