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

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The consumption of high amounts of sucrose has been linked to an increased risk of developing metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. These disorders are characterized by abnormal glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia, and disturbances in electrolyte balance, leading to oxidative stress and tissue damage (Tappy & Lê, 2010). The liver and heart are particularly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of sucrose, as they play important roles in maintaining glucose homeostasis and cardiovascular function, respectively. Therefore, strategies that can mitigate the deleterious effects of sucrose on these organs are of great interest.

Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat various diseases, and recent studies have shown that many medicinal plants possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can protect against tissue damage (Kumar & Pandey, 2013). Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina are two such plants that have been traditionally used in Africa to treat various ailments. Telferia occidentalis, commonly known as "Ugu," belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants (Ajiboye et al., 2017). Vernonia amygdalina, also known as "Bitter leaf," is a member of the Asteraceae family and contains various bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenes (Okolie et al., 2019).

Several studies have investigated the potential health benefits of these plants, including their anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperlipidemic properties (Ajiboye et al., 2017; Okolie et al., 2019). However, the effect of Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina on liver, heart, and plasma electrolytes in high sucrose diet-fed rats has not been extensively studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of these plants on biochemical and histological parameters of the liver and heart, as well as plasma electrolytes, in high sucrose diet-fed rats.

The choice of high sucrose diet as the experimental model is based on the fact that it has been established as a potent inducer of metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hypertension (Tappy & Lê, 2010). The use of rats as animal models is justified by their genetic and physiological similarities to humans, making them a useful tool for studying human diseases (Monteiro et al., 2010). The choice of biochemical and histological parameters for analysis is based on the fact that they are reliable indicators of organ function and structural integrity.

this study aims to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina on liver, heart, and plasma electrolytes in high sucrose diet-fed rats. The findings of this study may provide insights into the potential use of these plants as a complementary therapy for the