Effects of Aqueaous extract of Buko Juice (coconut water) and Amygdalina (bitter leaf) on lipid Profile in Cyclosporine- induced Wistar Rats

Abstract

Vernonia amygdalina, commonly known as bitter leaf, is a shrub that thrives in the African tropics, particularly in Nigeria, Cameroon, and Zimbabwe. It is known for its wide range of health benefits, including antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and gastrointestinal relief properties. Its organic extracts contain biologically active compounds such as saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which contribute to its medicinal potential. Buko juice, or coconut water, is another natural product with therapeutic benefits, offering electrolytes like potassium and magnesium along with essential vitamins. Traditionally, the liquid from young coconuts is favored for its refreshing and nourishing properties. Cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant commonly used in organ transplantation and autoimmune disorders, has been associated with adverse effects such as dyslipidemia, characterized by elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This condition increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, necessitating the search for alternative or complementary therapies to mitigate these side effects (Kasiske et al., 2001). Given the potential of natural products like Vernoniaamygdalina and Buko juice, exploring their effects on lipid metabolism could provide valuable insights into managing hypercholesterolemia, particularly in patients undergoing cyclosporine therapy. Sixteen(16) Cyclosporine-induced cholesterol Albino wistar rats were divided into four (4) groups (Group A-D) consisting of four (4) rats in each group, which were tagged and housed in separate cages Group A served as the negative control group and will be administered sterile water and standard feed throughout the experiment. Group B served as the experimental group and will be administered 10mg/kg cyclosporine for theexperiment. Group C served as the experimental group which is induced with 200mg/kg cyclosporine for hypercholesteroland will be administered 5ml/kg of the extract for the experiment. Group D served as the experimental group which is induced with 400mg/kg cyclosporine for hypercholesterol and will be administered 10ml/kg of the extract for the experiment. Blood samples were collected between the hours of 8 and 11 in the morning on the same day. Lipid Profile: T-Chol, Tg HDL-C, LDL, were all analyzed with the help of Blood Lipid Panel test. Data obtained was expressed as mean ± standard error of mean and statistically evaluated using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Statistical Package for the social sciences(SPSS) (International Business Machines (IBM), United States) Statistics v.23 package was used to analyze the results with p<0.05 considered significantly. This study highlights the potential of Vernonia amygdalina and Buko juice as natural remedies for managing cholesterol levels, particularly in patients undergoing cyclosporine therapy. There was significant reductions in total cholesterol and improvements in HDL levels suggest that these extracts could serve as complementary therapies alongside conventional treatments.