HEMATOPROTECTIVE, ANTIOXIDANT, AND LIPID-MODULATING EFFECTS OF VERNONIA AMYGDALINA AND CELOSIA ARGENTEA LEAVES IN SODIUM NITRITE (ADMINISTRATERED) TREATED WISTAR RATS

Sodium nitrite, a widely used food preservative, is known for its potential adverse health effects, including disruption of lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and haematological alterations. This study aimed to evaluate how sodium nitrite affects lipid profiles, oxidative stress markers, and haematological parameters in Wistar rats and to assess the ameliorative effects of Vernonia amygdalina and Celosia argentea leaf extracts.
Methods: Four groups 6-7 weeks old of male and female Wistar rats were randomly assigned: Control (CTR), Sodium Nitrite (SN), Sodium Nitrite + Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract (SN+BTL), and Sodium Nitrite + Celosia argentea leaf extract (SN+SHK). Each group received their respective treatments for 60 days. Lipid profiles, oxidative stress markers, and haematological parameters were assessed at the end of the study.
Results: Sodium nitrite treatment resulted in decreased total cholesterol and LDL levels, increased triglycerides, and stable HDL levels. Oxidative stress analysis showed increased total antioxidant capacity, GSH, and vitamin C, with non-significant changes in hydrogen peroxide and protein levels. Hematological parameters indicated decreased platelet count and altered platelet dynamics. Vernonia amygdalina and Celosia argentea treatments reversed, with Celosia argentea demonstrating more significant normalization of lipid profiles OS markers.
Conclusion: Sodium nitrite induces significant alterations in lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and haematological parameters in Wistar rats. Both Vernonia amygdalina and Celosia argentea exhibited ameliorative effects, with Celosia argentea showing a more pronounced impact on normalizing lipid profiles and reducing oxidative stress. Investigation opines the therapy of these plant extracts in mitigating nitrite-induced health risks and underscore the need for further research on their clinical applications.