Protective Role of Elaesis guineensis Leaves against Crude Oil Tainted Diet–induced Hematotoxicity in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Crude oil is a very toxic chemical. Recently, the search for protective substances is attracting attention. This study aimed to investigate the hematoprotective potentials of oil palm leaves against the toxicity induced by crude oil. Methods: Male Wistar albino rats (n=36) were divided into six groups of rats (n=6). Group 1 (controls) were fed with normal rat food. Groups 2 and 3 were fed with diets combined with a predetermined quantity of Elaesis guineensis (E. guineensis) leaves. Group 4 were given crude oil contaminated diet. Groups 5 and 6 were fed with tainted diet, mixed with a predetermined quantity of powdered E. guineensis leaves. Results: Pre-treatment of the diet with oil palm leaves restored lipid peroxidation, the activities of various types of superoxide dismutases (SODs), and catalase compared to those obtained for the control group. Treatment of crude oil-tainted diet with oil palm leaves significantly increased hemoglobin concentration and red blood cell indices, and significantly decreased white blood cell count compared to those noted for the rats fed crude oil-tainted diet. Conclusions: This study found that the treatment of crude oil contaminated diet with oil palm leaves reduced the hemotoxicity as experimented in Wistar albino rats.

Effect of MethanolicExtract of Justicia flava Leaves on Biochemical Markers in Male Wistar Rats Fed Crude Oil Contaminated Feed

“…However, the administration of Justicia flava leaves extract conferred protection against crude oilmediated hematotoxic imports of crude oil. Hematoprotective propensity of Justicia flava is no surprise as plant materials with antioxidant potentials have been reported to protect animals from the hematotoxicity of crude oil (Achuba, 2019). Each datum is the mean of six determinations and expressed as mean± SD.…”

“…Similarly, the medicinal capability of Justicia flava leaves was reported earlier (Baforet al, 2019). The anti-inflammatory disposition of Justicia flava leaves extract is not out of place since induction of free radical production is one mechanism that accounts for the initiation of petroleum-stimulated tissue damages (Achuba, 2018d;Achuba, 2019). The generation of free radical is quenched by the plant extract due to its richness in antioxidants (Bafor et al, 2019).…”