Exploring the Lipid-Modulating, Haematological and Antioxidant Potential of Vernonia Amygdalina and Celosia Argentea in Potassium Bromate-Induced Toxicity in Rats

Background: Potassium bromate (KBrO₃) is a widely used food preservative known for its potential toxicological effects, including oxidative stress and alterations in haematological parameters. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the lipid-modulating, haematological, and antioxidant potential of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) and Celosia argentea (shoko) in mitigating potassium bromate-induced toxicity in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Male and female Wistar rats (6-7 weeks old) were randomly assigned to four groups: Control (Group A), Potassium Bromate (Group B), Potassium Bromate + Vernonia amygdalina (Group C), and Potassium Bromate + Celosia argentea (Group D). The rats were administered their respective treatments for 60 consecutive days. Lipid profiles, oxidative stress markers, and haematological parameters were assessed. Results: Potassium bromate significantly increased total cholesterol, HDL, and white blood cell count while decreasing LDL and altering haematological parameters. The administration of Vernonia amygdalina and Celosia argentea extracts demonstrated varying degrees of reversal in these effects. Vernonia amygdalina led to significant improvements in cholesterol and HDL levels but did not significantly alter triglycerides or LDL. Celosia argentea also reversed some lipid profile changes but showed differential impacts on oxidative stress markers. Both extracts had significant effects on white blood cell count and differential counts. Conclusion: The study highlights the potential of Vernonia amygdalina and Celosia argentea as effective mitigators of potassium bromate-induced toxicity. The plant extracts exhibited varying degrees of protective effects, particularly in lipid modulation, oxidative stress reduction, and haematological parameter normalization. These findings support the use of these natural remedies as adjuncts in managing oxidative stress and lipid disorders induced by toxic substances. To completely understand the mechanisms behind these effects and investigate their possible uses in toxicological and therapeutic interventions, more research is necessary.