AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF VERNONIA AMYGDALINA AND OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM PROTECT AGAINST ELECTROLYTE DERANGEMENT IN SALT-LOADED RATS

The study aimed at checking the effects of aqueous extracts of Vernonia amygdalina and Ocimum gratissimum on the electrolyte level of salt-loaded rats. 25 male rats weighing 160-220g were shared into 5 groups of 5 rats. Group 1 animals that were fed standard feed and water served as the control. Animals in group 2-5 which were salt-loaded orally with 2 ml of 4% sodium chloride solution for 2 weeks, were left untreated, treated with 1 ml of 300 mg/kg body weight of aqueous bitter leaf extract, 300 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of scent leaf and 300 mg/kg body weight of both extracts in ratio 1:1 respectively. Treatment of salt-loaded animals with the extract was done orally once daily for two weeks after which plasma electrolyte levels were determined. There was significant (P<0.05) increase in Na⁺ and Cl⁻ levels in all the salt-loaded groups when compared with the control group. Bitter leaf extracts significantly (P<0.05) decreased the sodium level only when compared to the group with no treatment while scent leaf extract did not affect (P>0.05) on any of the electrolytes. Treatment with both extracts reduced Na⁺ and Cl⁻ levels significantly (P<0.05). Individual and co-treatment with bitter leaf and scent had no change (P>0.05) in the levels of K⁺ and HCO₃⁻. The co-administration of aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina and Ocimum gratissimum has synergistic effect that might be of importance in reduction of blood electrolytes of sodium and chloride in salt-induced derangements. This might be useful in managing salt-induced hypertension.