Effect of Gongronema latifolium (UTAZI) Leaves on Essential Haematological and Biochemical Parameters of Wistar Rats Fed with Potato Starch

Background: Gongronema latifolium is a leafy vegetable and medicinal plant commonly consumed in West Africa. Its leaves contain bioactive constituents that may influence blood indices and organ function. Aim: This study evaluated the effects of whole G. latifolium leaves on selected haematological, hepatic and renal biochemical parameters in Wistar rats fed with potato starch. Methods: Sixty Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups of twelve animals each. Group A received normal feed and water. Group B received 30% potato starch and 70% normal feed with acarbose treatment. Group C received 30% potato starch and 70% normal feed without treatment. Groups D and E received diets containing 10% and 20% whole G. latifolium leaves, respectively, in addition to potato starch and normal feed. The feeding trial lasted four weeks. Six rats from each group were sampled at weeks two and four for the assessment of haemoglobin, packed cell volume, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea and creatinine. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20, including ANOVA and post hoc tests. Results: At week two, the 20% G. latifolium group had higher haemoglobin and packed cell volume values of 21.49 ± 5.37 g/dl and 42.69 ± 12.43%, respectively. Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase increased at week two in the G. latifolium groups, with values of 60.13 ± 7.32 U/L and 180.13 ± 11.93 U/L in the 10% group, and 41.87 ± 5.84 U/L and 152.75 ± 17.20 U/L in the 20% group. By week four, these enzyme activities declined in the treated groups. Urea levels were elevated at week two but decreased by week four, while creatinine showed variable responses, including an increase to 2.32 ± 0.00 mg/dl in the 20% group at week four. Regarding body weight, the 20% G. latifolium group showed a significant reduction of 6.67% from baseline, whereas the normal and negative control groups gained 135.80% and 76.79%, respectively, suggesting that the leaf supplementation may modulate weight gain under the experimental conditions. Conclusion: Dietary inclusion of whole G. latifolium leaves influenced haematological and biochemical parameters in Wistar rats. The findings suggest possible haematological improvement, but the observed hepatic and renal changes indicate the need for cautious interpretation and further dose-related safety evaluation.