Modulatory Effects of Vernonia amygdalina Leaf Extract on Hematological Parameters in Rats Exposed to 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine-Induced Toxicity

Background and Objective: Vernonia amygdalina, commonly known as bitter leaf, is a shrubby plant native to Tropical Africa that has gained global attention from researchers and scientists due to its potential health benefits and medicinal applications. This study was conducted to investigate the modulatory effects of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract on hematological indices in rats exposed to 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced toxicity. Materials and Methods: Forty male Wistar albino rats within the weight range of 150-200 g were assigned to eight groups (5 rats per group): Control, DMH, silymarin, VA only, pretreatment (200 mg/kg bwt), pretreatment (400 mg/kg bwt), post-treatment (200 mg/kg bwt), and post-treatment (400 mg/kg bwt) groups, respectively. Except for the control and VA only groups, the rats were exposed to DMH before or after treatment with VA via the intraperitoneal route at a single dose of 40 mg/kg bwt. At the closing stages of the experiment, blood samples were collected in EDTA bottles for hematological assays. Treatment lasted for 21 days. Data were expressed as Mean±Standard error mean and considered significant at p<0.05. All statistical analyses were done using the SPSS software (version 20). Results: Treatment with Vernonia amygdalina significantly improved final body weight compared to the DMH group (p<0.05). Hematological analysis showed significant reductions in RBC, HB, LYM, MCV, MCHC, MID, and PLT in the DMH group. Pre- and post-treatment with VA moderately restored these parameters, though changes were mostly insignificant. WBC, PCV, MPV, and related indices increased in the DMH group versus control and some treated groups. Conclusion: The findings from this study indicate that Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract is effective against blood toxicity caused by DMH, and it could serve as a benchmark for further studies.