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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The consumption of a high sucrose diet has become increasingly prevalent in modern society, primarily due to the widespread availability of sugary processed foods and beverages. However, excessive sucrose intake has been linked to various adverse health effects, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders (1, 2). One of the underlying mechanisms contributing to these pathological conditions is the disruption of electrolyte homeostasis in vital organs such as the brain and heart.

Electrolytes, including calcium, potassium, sodium, and chloride, play crucial roles in maintaining the physiological functions of cells and tissues. Calcium, for instance, is involved in neurotransmission, muscle contraction, and the regulation of enzyme activity (3). Potassium is essential for maintaining the electrical excitability of cells, including neurons and cardiomyocytes (4). Sodium and chloride are critical for maintaining osmotic balance, cell volume regulation, and electrical potential across cell membranes (5, 6). Any disturbance in the levels of these electrolytes can lead to cellular dysfunction and contribute to the development of various diseases.

Herbal plants have long been recognized for their potential therapeutic properties and their ability to restore physiological imbalances. Telferia occidentalis (commonly known as "Ugu" in Nigeria) and Vernonia amygdalina (commonly known as "Bitter leaf") are two such plants widely used in traditional medicine for their medicinal and nutritional benefits. These plants are rich sources of bioactive compounds, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals (7, 8). Studies have demonstrated their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective properties (9, 10). However, their effects on electrolyte balance, particularly in the context of a high sucrose diet, have not been extensively investigated.

Understanding the potential benefits of Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina in restoring electrolyte homeostasis in the brain and heart is of great importance, as these organs are highly susceptible to metabolic disturbances and play critical roles in overall health and well-being. Previous studies have shown that high sucrose diets can lead to insulin resistance, oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage in these organs (11, 12). Therefore, exploring the effects of herbal supplementation on electrolyte balance in the brain and heart can provide valuable insights into their potential protective mechanisms against sucrose-induced damage.

This study aims to investigate the effect of Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina on electrolyte levels, specifically calcium, potassium, sodium, and chloride, in the brain and heart tissues of rats fed a high sucrose diet. Understanding the impact of these herbal supplements on electrolyte homeostasis will contribute to our knowledge of their potential therapeutic applications in preventing or mitigating the adverse effects of excessive sucrose consumption.

The hypothesis of this study is that supplementation with Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina will restore the electrolyte balance in the brain and heart tissues of rats fed a high sucrose diet, thereby reducing the risk of cellular dysfunction and related pathological conditions.

The outcomes of this research can provide valuable insights into the potential use of Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina as dietary interventions for individuals at risk of or already experiencing metabolic disturbances associated with a high sucrose diet. Furthermore, understanding the underlying mechanisms through which these herbal plants exert their effects on electrolyte homeostasis can pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic approaches targeting metabolic disorders and associated organ dysfunctions.

In summary, investigating the effect of Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina on electrolyte levels in the brain and heart tissues of rats fed a high sucrose diet is of significant importance in exploring the potential protective mechanisms of these herbal supplements against sucrose-induced metabolic disturbances. The findings of this study will contribute to the existing knowledge on the role of herbal interventions in maintaining electrolyte balance and may have implications for the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies for metabolic disorders.

Furthermore, understanding the impact of Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina on electrolyte balance in the brain and heart can provide insights into their potential mechanisms of action. These herbal plants are known to contain various bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and vitamins, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (7, 8). It is possible that these compounds interact with cellular pathways involved in electrolyte regulation, thereby restoring the