Biochemical and histological impact of vernonia amygdalina supplemented diet in obese rats

Abstract EN

This study was carried out to evaluate the anti-obesity effect of Vernonia amygdalina Del.

(VA) supplemented diet.

VA leaf powder was fed at 5% and 15% to diet-induced obese rats for 4 weeks and its effect compared with orlistat (5.14 mg/kg p.o.), an anti-obesity drug.

Food intake, body and organ weights, total body fat, some lipid components and amino transaminase activities in serum, hepatocytes and brain; as well as serum glucose, were measured during or at end of the study.

Result showed respective decrease of 12.78% and 38.51% in body weight gain, of VA fed rats against 17.45% of orlistat at end of study (P <0.05); but with no effect on food intake.

Total body fat was lowered by 28.04% and 30.02% vs.

obese control rats (CDC) (P < 0.05).

Furthermore, serum triacylglycerol (TG), serum and brain total cholesterol (TCHOL), were down regulated at 15% VA supplementation (P < 0.05).

Serum glucose which increased in obese rats by 46.26% (P <0.05) vs.

NC, indicating intolerance, was restored by VA (38.75% and 34.65%) and orlistat (31.80%) vs.

CDC (P < 0.05).

VA diet also exerted hepato-protection, via lowering serum alanine