Project Materials

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 is responsible for the metabolism of a variety of substances, including carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. However, an excessive intake of high sucrose diets can result in metabolic illnesses such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is defined by fat accumulation in the liver.

NAFLD is linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic conditions (Younossi et al., 2018).

NAFLD is a major public health issue worldwide, affecting more than 25% of the population (Younossi et al., 2016). As a result, there is an urgent need for effective therapies to prevent and treat NAFLD.

Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina are two tropical plants that have long been used in Nigeria to cure a variety of ailments (Oboh et al., 2017). Telferia occidentalis, or fluted pumpkin, is a green leafy vegetable from the Cucurbitaceae family.

It is high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant characteristics (Oboh et al., 2017).

Vernonia amygdalina, often known as bitter leaf, is a plant from the Asteraceae family. It is noted for its bitter taste and has long been used to cure a variety of diseases, including malaria, diabetes, and hypertension (Okolie et al., 2016). Recent research has also demonstrated its potential in the treatment of NAFLD (Okolie et al., 2016).

Several research have looked into the effectiveness of Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina in the treatment of metabolic diseases. For example, Oboh et al. (2017) found that administering Telferia occidentalis extract reduced oxidative stress and enhanced glucose metabolism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Vernonia amygdalina extract was also shown by Okolie et al. (2016) to minimise hepatic fat buildup and enhance insulin sensitivity in obese rats fed a high-fat diet.

However, the effects of Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina on liver function tests (AST and ALT) and lipid profile in rats on a high sucrose diet have not been widely explored.

The liver function test (LFT) is a blood test that evaluates the levels of enzymes, such as AST and ALT, which