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EFFECT OF TELFERIA OCCIDENTALIS AND VERNONIA AMYGDALINA ON LIVER FUNCTION TEST (AST AND ALT) AND LIPID PROFILE IN PLASMA OF HIGH SUCROSE DIET FED RATS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The liver plays a crucial role in the metabolism of various nutrients, including carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. However, the excessive intake of high sucrose diets can lead to metabolic disorders, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver (Abdulazeez et al., 2020). NAFLD is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders (Younossi et al., 2018). The high prevalence of NAFLD is a significant public health concern globally, affecting over 25% of the world's population (Younossi et al., 2016). Hence, there is an urgent need for effective interventions to prevent and manage NAFLD.

Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina are two tropical plants that have been traditionally used in Nigeria for the treatment of various diseases (Oboh et al., 2017). Telferia occidentalis, also known as fluted pumpkin, is a green leafy vegetable that belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and has been reported to possess several health benefits, including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative properties (Oboh et al., 2017). Vernonia amygdalina, also known as bitter leaf, is a plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is known for its bitter taste and has been traditionally used in the treatment of various ailments, including malaria, diabetes, and hypertension (Okolie et al., 2016). Recent studies have also reported its potential in the management of NAFLD (Okolie et al., 2016).

Several studies have investigated the potential of Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina in the management of metabolic disorders. For instance, Oboh et al. (2017) reported that the administration of Telferia occidentalis extract reduced oxidative stress and improved glucose metabolism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Okolie et al. (2016) also reported that Vernonia amygdalina extract reduced liver fat accumulation and improved insulin sensitivity in high-fat diet-induced obese rats. However, the effect of Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina on liver function test (AST and ALT) and lipid profile in high sucrose diet-fed rats has not been extensively studied.

Liver function test (LFT) is a blood test that measures the levels of enzymes, including AST and ALT, which are