Evaluation of atrazine toxicity and the protective effect of Vernonia Amygdalina on Haematological, Biochemical, and Histopathological indices in Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus)

Pesticides can induce toxicity in both biodiversity and humans, and unregulated pesticide application can exacerbate environmental pollution, contribute to wildlife habitat degradation, and accelerate species decline. This study investigated the haematological, biochemical, and histopathological effects of atrazine exposure in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) and assessed the ameliorative potential of aqueous bitter leaf extract (Vernonia amygdalina). Thirty guinea pigs were assigned to six groups and treated for 8 weeks with atrazine at 1,500 or 3,000 mg/kg body weight (BW), administered alone or in combination with aqueous bitter leaf extract, alongside control and extract-only groups. Atrazine exposure induced mild anemia, as evidenced by reduced packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, and red blood cell count, and increased serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, bilirubin, cholesterol, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Liver function markers (AST, ALT, and ALP) were evaluated but did not differ significantly among the groups. Atrazine also altered antioxidant defence, including reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). Histopathological evaluation revealed dose-dependent hepatic, pulmonary, cardiac, and splenic lesions, which were markedly ameliorated by aqueous bitter leaf extract. Treatment with aqueous bitter leaf extract restored haematological parameters, reduced oxidative stress, improved biochemical alterations, and mitigated tissue damage. This study underscores the potential of V. amygdalina as a natural protective agent against atrazine toxicity and provides insights into its possible applications for managing pesticide exposure in the environment.