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EFFECT OF TELFERIA OCCIDENTALIS AND VERNONIA AMYGDALINA ON LIVER AND PLASMA ELECTROLYTES IN HIGH SUCROSE DIET FED RATS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

High sucrose diets have been implicated in the development of numerous metabolic disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (Havel, 2005). Sucrose is a disaccharide consisting of glucose and fructose, which are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia (Le et al., 2016). Chronic consumption of high sucrose diets can result in insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation, which can lead to the development of metabolic disorders (Yang et al., 2018).

Liver and plasma electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. Electrolytes are ions that carry an electrical charge and are involved in numerous physiological processes, including muscle and nerve function, acid-base balance, and fluid balance (Burtis and Bruns, 2012). Alterations in liver and plasma electrolytes can lead to various metabolic disorders, including hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and renal failure (Adrogue and Madias, 2001).

Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina are two commonly used vegetables in Nigeria, and they have been reported to possess numerous health benefits (Akinmoladun et al., 2007; Ayo et al., 2008). Telferia occidentalis, commonly known as "Ugwu" in Nigeria, is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and has been reported to possess hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic properties (Akinmoladun et al., 2007; Ezejiofor et al., 2019). Vernonia amygdalina, commonly known as "Bitter leaf" in Nigeria, is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and has been reported to possess anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive properties (Ayo et al., 2008; Ijeh et al., 2011).

Several studies have investigated the health benefits of Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina individually. However, there is limited research on the combined effect of Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina on liver and plasma electrolytes in high sucrose diet-fed rats. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina on liver and plasma electrolytes in high sucrose diet-fed rats.

The rationale for this study is that the combined supplementation of Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina may have a synergistic effect on liver and plasma electrolytes, which may be