Effect of MethanolicExtract of Justicia flava Leaves on Biochemical Markers in Male Wistar Rats Fed Crude Oil Contaminated Feed

Abstract

The medicinal potentials of plants have been documented. This study evaluated the capacity of the leaf of Justicia flava methanolic extract (JFME) to alter the biochemical distortions initiated by feeding on diet containing crude oil. Male Wistar albino rats, thirty six, were constituted into nine groups. Each group had six rats. Group 1 had untreated feed. Groups 2 to 4 had untreated feed but were given 100 mg, 200 mg and 300 mg/ kg b.wt of JFME, respectively. Group 5 had untreated feed and given 200 mg/kg b.wt of ascorbic acid as standard. Group 6 was fed with diet containing crude oil (4ml/100g v/w). Groups 7 to 9 were given contaminated feed and 100 mg, 200 mg and 300 mg/ kg b.wt of JFME, respectively. The rats were maintained on these treatments for thirty days and had water ad libitum. Thereafter exposure period, lipid profile, hematological and inflammatory markers in the blood were analyzed using standard methods. Petroleum in feed altered the lipid profile, hematological and inflammatory markers compared to values in positive control rats. However, treatment of the rats with JFME had a positive reversal of these markers close to values in control rats; which compared favorably with ascorbic acid, used as standard. This investigation discovered JFME as a candidate for managing crude oil- imposed health issues.