Antifungal Properties Of Bitter Leave (Vernonia Amygdalina) Stem Extract And The Effect Of The Extract On Electrolyte Status In Normal And Monosodbum Glutamate - Intoxicated Rats:-Aliuba Priscilla O

Abstract This study was to investigate the antifungal properties of vernonia amygdalina stem and the effect of the extract of vernonia amygdalina stem on the electrolyte status in normal and monosodium glutamate intoxicated rats. Twenty rats weighing 100-180 g were assigned to five groups (A, B, C, D and E) with four animals in each group. Group C served as the control while groups A, B, D and E served as the test groups and received MSG, Extract, MSG+200 mg/kg body wt. and MSG+400 mg/kg body wt. ofthe extract of vernonia amygdalina stem respectively. The ethanol extract vernonia amygdalina stem exhibited antifungal effects against the A. niger. The results indicated the sensitivity of Candida albicans aqueous extract of vernonia amygdalina stem. Extract inhibition of F. spp showed a higher significant (p<0.05) level when compared to ketoconazone. Vernonia amygdalina stem extract showed concentration dependent, higher concentration had higher inhibition activity. This study evaluates the effect of ethanol extract of vernonia amygdalina stem on levels of serum Ca2+, K+, Na+ and HCO3’ in wistar albino rats as a way of assessing the effect of the extract of vernonia amygdalina stem on kidney function. Serum chemistry showed that there was no significant difference (P<0.05) in the serum levels of bicarbonate, calcium, potassium and sodium at all doses tested. Significantly raised sodium and calcium levels was observed in animals treated with 200mg/kg body weight (P< 0.05) however, the values were brought close to those of control at doses of 400 mg/kg body weight. The serum potassium level was however significantly (P>0.05) higher than control at 400 mg/kg body weight. From the result of this experiment, it is concluded that the administration of ethanol extract of vernonia amygdalina stem does not alter the levels of serum electrolyte. However, care must be taken when exploring the medicinal value ofthe leaf because of the observed increased potassium levels observed in the study