Haemostatic properties of Vernonia amygdalina and Chromolaena odorata leaf extracts using Wistar rat model

• Main Authors: Lucy Omokhegbe Matthew, Evarista Odaburhine Osime
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Faculty of Medicine Trisakti University 2019-07-01
• Series: Universa Medicina
• Subjects: Haemostatsis; Haemostatic parameter; Vernonia amygdalina; Chromolaena odorata.
• Online Access: https://univmed.org/ejurnal/index.php/medicina/article/view/742
• ISSN: 1907-3062; 2407-2230

BACKGROUND The leaves of African plants are widely employed in Nigeria to control bleeding from wounds. This work is aimed at evaluating the haemostatic effects of Vernonia amygdalina (VA/bitter leaf) and Chromolaena odorata (CO/sunflower) leaves on some haemostatic parameters. METHODS A laboratory study of experimental design was conducted involving 35 Wistar rats that were randomized into seven groups. Groups 1 and 2 received leaf extracts of VA at concentrations of 150 and 250mg/kg BW, respectively; groups 3 and 4 received leaf extracts of CO at 150 and 250mg/kg BW; groups 5 and 6 received combined leaf extracts of VA and CO at 150 and 250mg/kg BW, respectively, for 30 days. The last group 7 as control group received only water. Parameters investigated were clotting time (CT), fibrinogen concentration, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time test (APTT), factor VII, protein C and D – dimer. Results There was a significant reduction in CT, fibrinogen concentration and PT in the intervention groups compared to controls (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in APTT, factor VII and protein C in the intervention groups compared to the controls (p>0.05). D-dimer levels were observed to increase significantly in rats treated with 150mg/kg BW of VA and 150mg/kgBW of the combined leaf extracts (VA/CO) compared to the controls (p<0.05). Conclusion The VA and CO extracts reduced CT, PT, fibrinogen concentrations and increased D-dimer levels in rats. This study suggests the possible incorporation of the leave extracts of VA and CO in bleeding diathesis as well as in coagulation studies.