Effect of Aqueous Extract of Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter Leaf) on GASTRIC PH and Serum Bicarbonate of Wistar Rats

Abstract

Vernonia amygdalina is a shrub commonly consumed in Nigeria as a vegetable in soup. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina on gastric pH and post-prandial serum bicarbonate in wistar rats. A total of 20 male wistar rats weighing 180-250g were divided into four groups of 5 rats each; Group I served as control, Group II received 400mg/kg Aqueous bitter leaf extract, Group III received Omeprazole (20mg/kg) and Group IV received a combination of Omeprazole and Aqueous bitter leaf extract. 45 minutes after administration of the extract, the pH of the gastric effluent decreased significantly whereas the post-prandial serum bicarbonate concentration increased significantly compared to control (p < 0.05). Addition of the extract with omeprazole caused significant reduction in gastric pH but increased serum bicarbonate compared to the omeprazole-only group. The results suggest that the extract would increase gastric acid while preserving the serum bicarbonate. The Aqueous bitter leaf prevented excessive reduction in gastric pH that occurred with the drug alone. Hence, the study concluded that aqueous bitter leaf alone increased the level of gastric acid secreted while in combination with Omeprazole, it acted as a buffer to stabilize the gastric pH

Keywords

References