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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality worldwide, and dyslipidemia, characterized by abnormal lipid levels in the bloodstream, is a major risk factor for the development of these conditions (Grundy et al., 2019). Elevated levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), along with reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), have been associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular events (Wong et al., 2014). Therefore, interventions aimed at modulating the lipid profile have gained considerable attention in the prevention and management of dyslipidemia and related cardiovascular complications.

Herbal remedies have been used traditionally in many cultures for the treatment of various diseases, including dyslipidemia (Ali-Shtayeh et al., 2017). Diocleareflexa Hook. F, commonly known as Agbanrin, is a medicinal plant native to certain regions of Africa. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and has been traditionally used for its therapeutic properties, including its potential lipid-lowering effects (Adebiyi et al., 2015). Despite its traditional use, there is limited scientific evidence regarding the lipid-modulating properties of Diocleareflexa Hook. F. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the response of lipid profile to the administration of Diocleareflexa Hook. F ethanoic extract in adult Wistar rats.

Animal models, particularly rodents, have been extensively used in preclinical studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of potential therapeutic agents (Corraliza-Gutiérrez et al., 2018). The Wistar rat, a widely employed animal model, shares physiological and metabolic similarities with humans, making it suitable for investigating the effects of therapeutic interventions on lipid metabolism (Festing, 2018). By using this model, it is possible to assess the impact of Diocleareflexa Hook. F ethanoic extract on the lipid profile and gain insights into its potential therapeutic value in managing dyslipidemia.

The lipid profile encompasses several key parameters that reflect the lipid status of an individual. TC represents the total amount of cholesterol, including both LDL-C and HDL-C, in the blood. Elevated TC levels have been associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and CVDs (Genser et al., 2012). LDL-C is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol as it is the primary carrier of cholesterol to peripheral tissues and is strongly implicated in the development of atherosclerotic plaques (Libby et al., 2019). On the other hand, HDL-C is commonly known as "good" cholesterol due to its role in reverse cholesterol transport, wherein it removes excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues and transports it back to the liver for excretion (Trigatti et al., 2002). Decreased HDL-C levels have been associated with an increased risk of CVDs (Rye and Barter, 2014). TG, another important component of the lipid profile, represents the storage form of fats in adipose tissue and circulating lipoproteins (Gibbons et al., 2004). Elevated TG levels are often observed in individuals with dyslipidemia and are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events (Nordestgaard, 2016).

The administration of natural products has shown promise in modulating lipid metabolism and improving the lipid profile in experimental studies. Various bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants have been reported to possess lipid-lowering effects by regulating key enzymes and pathways involved in cholesterol synthesis, absorption, and metabolism (Pérez-Martínez et al., 2017). Therefore, exploring the potential lipid-modulating properties of Diocleareflexa Hook. F ethanoic extract could provide valuable insights into its