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Journal of Biological Sciences

Year: 2009 | Volume: 9 | Issue: 8 | Page No.: 859-865
DOI: 10.3923/jbs.2009.859.865
Effect of a Long Term Consumption of a Diet Supplemented with Leaves of Gongronema latifolium Benth. on Some Biochemical and Histological Parameters in Male Albino Rats
E.J. Iweala Emeka and O. Obidoa

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of long term consumption of Gongronema latifolium on some biochemical and histological parameters in male rats. Biochemical parameters evaluated included serum protein, haemoglobin, cholesterol, lipid peroxidation, white blood cells, glutathione-s-transferase, superoxide dismutase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase. The histological changes of the liver, intestines and testes were examined. The long term feeding of a Gongronema latifolium -supplemented diet caused significant increases (p<0.05) in cholesterol, haemoglobin and white blood cells. The diet exhibited antioxidant properties by reducing lipid peroxidation and increasing superoxide dismutase activity. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in glutathione-s-transferase and decrease in the liver enzymes namely Alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase suggesting a role of Gongronema latifolium in detoxification and hepatoprotection. However, Gongronema latifolium -supplemented diet did not cause any significant changes in weight and serum protein. The histology of the hepatic plate appeared irregular while the portal tracts showed a lifted basement membrane and few inflammatory cells. The intestinal mucosa showed an elongated and broadened villi. There were no histological changes on the testes.

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How to cite this article
E.J. Iweala Emeka and O. Obidoa, 2009. Effect of a Long Term Consumption of a Diet Supplemented with Leaves of Gongronema latifolium Benth. on Some Biochemical and Histological Parameters in Male Albino Rats. Journal of Biological Sciences, 9: 859-865.

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