The effects of methanolic leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) on some biochemical parameters on alloxan-induced diabetic male albino rats (Wistar strain) were investigated for a period of 14 days. Adult male albino rats weighing between 140-160 g were induced intraperitoneally with alloxan. The male albino rats were grouped into five groups: Group A are not induced with alloxan, Group B serves as the negative control, Group C serves as positive control and was treated with glibenclaimide, Group D and E were treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of methanolic leaf extract of V. amygdalina respectively. The extracts were given to the animals orally for 14 days. The phytochemical analysis of Vernonia amygdalina extract indicates the presence of secondary metabolites like tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, Glycosides, Cyanogenic glycosides, polyphenols and Terpenoids. The weight of diabetic untreated rats (Group B) were significantly (P<0.005) reduced when compared to other groups. The group of rats given 100 and 200mg/Kg B.W of extract showed significant decrease (P<0.05) of blood sugar level compared to the untreated rats. The decrease in the blood glucose level of the rats following the administration of the plant extract suggests that the plant extract possesses anti-diabetic, anti-hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic effects on alloxan- induced diabetic rats. The extract of V. amygdalina produces hypolipidaemic effect and this is evident as there is a significant decrease in plasma TC, TG, LDC-Cholesterol, atherogenic index and an increase HDL-Cholesterol in the treated groups compared to the negative control group. The extracts significantly increase HGB, RBC, HCT and the WBC is significantly reduced in the treated group compared to the untreated group. This is an indication that the extract does possess hematopoietic activities and is not hematotoxic. The extract significantly reduced (P<0.005) liver biomarker enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP and GGT), an indication that it has hepatoprotective effect.

Keywords: De-oiled tea seed cake, Fatty acids, Supplement

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