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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, poses a significant global health challenge. Among the complications associated with diabetes, dyslipidemia, or abnormal lipid profile, is prevalent and contributes to increased cardiovascular risk. Streptozotocin (STZ) induction in experimental animals is a widely used model to study diabetes. Nicotinamide, an amide form of vitamin B3, is often administered alongside STZ to prevent its cytotoxic effects on pancreatic β-cells. Ocimum gratissimum (O.G.) and Vernonia amygdalina (V.A.) are medicinal plants with known antidiabetic properties. This study aims to investigate the effects of O.G. and V.A. on the lipid profile of STZ-induced diabetic rats under nicotinamide coverage.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite advancements in diabetes management, dyslipidemia remains a significant concern among diabetic individuals. Understanding the impact of medicinal plants such as O.G. and V.A. on the lipid profile in diabetic conditions is crucial for exploring alternative therapeutic approaches.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the impact of Ocimum gratissimum (O.G.) and Vernonia amygdalina (V.A.) on the lipid profile in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats under nicotinamide coverage. Specific objectives include:

i. To evaluate the impact of O.G. and V.A. on serum cholesterol levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

ii. To determine the effect of O.G. and V.A. on triglyceride levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

iii. To find out the influence of O.G. and V.A. on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What is the effect of Ocimum gratissimum (O.G.) and Vernonia amygdalina (V.A.) on serum cholesterol levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats?

ii. What is the impact of O.G. and V.A. on triglyceride levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats?

iii. How does O.G. and V.A. influence high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Hypothesis I

H0: There is no significant impact of Ocimum gratissimum (O.G.) and Vernonia amygdalina (V.A.) on serum cholesterol levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

H1: There is a significant impact of O.G. and V.A. on serum cholesterol levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Hypothesis II

H0: There is no significant effect of Ocimum gratissimum (O.G.) and Vernonia amygdalina (V.A.) on triglyceride levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

H2: There is a significant effect of O.G. and V.A. on triglyceride levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Hypothesis III

H0: There is no significant influence of Ocimum gratissimum (O.G.) and Vernonia amygdalina (V.A.) on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

H3: There is a significant influence of O.G. and V.A. on HDL cholesterol levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of Ocimum gratissimum (O.G.) and Vernonia amygdalina (V.A.) in managing dyslipidemia associated with diabetes mellitus. Additionally, it may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies using natural products.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on evaluating the effects of Ocimum gratissimum (O.G.) and Vernonia amygdalina (V.A.) on the lipid profile specifically in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats under nicotinamide coverage. It includes assessments of serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

Limitations of this study may include the complexity of simulating all aspects of human diabetes in animal models, variations in individual response to treatments, and potential confounding factors such as diet and environmental conditions.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Diabetes mellitus: A chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both.

Dyslipidemia: Abnormal levels of lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood.

Streptozotocin (STZ): A chemical compound commonly used to induce experimental diabetes in animal models by damaging pancreatic β-cells.

Nicotinamide: An amide form of vitamin B3, often administered alongside STZ to protect pancreatic β-cells from its cytotoxic effects.

Ocimum gratissimum (O.G.): A medicinal plant with potential antidiabetic properties.

Vernonia amygdalina (V.A.): A medicinal plant known for its antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects.

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