Aqueous Extracts of Vernonia Amygdalina and Ocimum Gratissimum Protect Against Electrolyte Derangement in Salt-Loaded Rats
The study aimed at checking the effects of aqueous extracts of Vernonia amygdalina and Ocimum gratissimum on the electrolyte level of saltloaded rats. 25 male rats weighing 160-220g were shared into 5 groups of 5 rats. Group 1 animals that were fed standard feed and water served as the control. Animals in group 2-5 which were salt-loaded orally with 2 ml of 4% sodium chloride solution for 2 weeks, were left untreated, treated with 1 ml of 300 mg/kg body weight of aqueous bitter leaf extract, 300 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of scent leaf and 300 mg/kg body weight of both extracts in ratio 1:1 respectively. Treatment of salt-loaded animals with the extract was done orally once daily for two weeks after which plasma electrolyte levels were determined. There was significant (P