Changes In Some Biological Parameters And Serum Lipids In Albino Rats Fed 40% Vernonia Amgdalina (Del) And Vernonia Colorata (Willd ) Incorporated Diets

The effect of 40% dietary incorporation of Vernonia amygdalina.Del and Vernonia colorata. Willd on body weight, vital organ weights, serum cholesterol and total triacylglycerols were studied in albino rats. Percentage relative liver weight increased from 2.92 ± 0.26 in control group to 3.48 ± 0.61 and 3.83 ± 0.53 rats fed 40% Vernonia amydalina .Del and Vernonia colorata. Willd. Percentage relative intestinal weight increased non-significantly (P≤0.05) from 7.34 ± 0.42 in control group to 8.65± 0.74 and 12.22 ± 1.17 in 40% Va and Vc groups respectively. Percentage relative kidney weight increased significantly from 0.60 ± 0.06 in control group to 0.87 ± 0.16 in 40% Vc incorporated diet group while there was no significant change in 40 % Va. Percentage relative pancreatic weight showed no significant changes. Weight gain/ loss over the 21 day period was 17.50 ±3.78, -18.04 ± 4.01, and -41.88 ± 6.21 in the control ,40% Va and 40% Vc respectively. Serum cholesterol decreased significantly form 197.65± 70.64 in control group to 115.20 ± 26.16 in 40% Vc fed group. There was also a significant decrease in total serum triacylglycerol in the groups receiving 40% Va and 40% Vc incorporated diets. These findings are indicative that dietary incorporation Vernonia amygdalina .Del and Vernonia colorata. Willd may reduce body weight, serum cholesterol and total triacylglcerol.