Herein, Vernonia amygdalina stem ethanolic extract, VASEE, was elucidated for its antibacterial activity in vitro by disk-diffusion technique and, in vivo effect on some hematological parameters of normal and monosodium glutamate, MSG-intoxicated rats. For in vivo study, 20 male albino rats assigned into five groups (A, B, C, D, and E) were, for 14 days, respectively administered MSG (8000 mg/kg body weight, bw), VASEE (200 mg/kg bw), Control (Vital feed and tap water), MSG (8000 mg/kg bw + VASEE, 200 mg/kg bw), and MSG (8000 mg/kg bw + VASEE, 400 mg/kg bw). In vitro, the VASEE-related activity against the tested bacterial pathogens was significant (P < 0.05), dose dependent and comparable to that by the standard antibacterial drug, Ciprofloxacin. In vivo, VASEE compared to control and MSG groups improved (P < 0.05) and, notably at the highest tested dose modulated the monosodium glutamate intoxication-related effect on, the studied hematology of rats. Thus, VASEE exhibited potent activity against the tested bacterial pathogens, improved, and potentially modulated MSG-intoxication-related effect on, the rats’ hematological functions. The study underscored a promising antibacterial application of the extract of hitherto wasted bitter leaf stem that could offer novel therapeutic benefits on the hematology of especially MSG-intoxicated rats, warranting further studies.
Keywords: Hematology, intoxication, bitter leaf stem, packed cell volume, Red blood cell
