ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE LEAVES OF VERNONIA AMYGDALINA AND ITS BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION IN RATS

Abstract

Elemental analysis of the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina Del., revealed adequate concentrations of some elements, such as iron (1500+111 ppm) and calcium 10100+895 ppm) that are believed to be essential for normal growth. The plant was evaluated in relation to tissue damage, in sixteen male rats (Wistar strains) with average weight of 39.71g and aged 4 to 6 weeks. They were fed orally for 65 days with amended diets containing 25% (w/w), 50% (w/w) and 75%(w/w) powdered V. amygdalina leaves mixed with standard ECWA grower mash. The control rats were fed only with the standard diet. At the end of the experimental period, it was found to grossly, turn the skin of the treated rats lighter than that of the control group. However, microscopical examinations showed that all the various tissues are of normal architecture with good cellular morphology. On this basis V. amygdalina could be regarded as relatively safe to consume, and at the doses tested might be of nutritional importance for both animals and human beings.


Key Words: Vernonia amygdalina Del., Asteraceae, leaves, elements, wistar rats, tissues.


Nig. J. Nat Prod. And Med. Vol.5 2001: 13-16