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ABSTRACT
The effect of Heinsia crinata on the body weight of guinea pig was investigated in this study. Eight (8) guinea pigs of both sexes of weight between 342.4-502g were bought from the botanical garden of the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, of Ken-Saro Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori. They were exposed to 12 hours of darkness and light alternatively and allowed to acclimatize for a period of 2 weeks before being used in the study, and then fed with elephant grass. The animals were divided into four (4) different groups: Group I (control) was given only distill water, Group II was given 1ml of 100% aqueous extract of Heinsia crinata, Group III was given 50%, and Group IV was given 25% if the extract. Heinsia crinata extract were given to each group via oral administration. Animal’s body weights were taken before and after extract administration using a top load weighing balance Results were expressed in grams. At the end of the seventh (7th) day, it was observed that Heinsia crinata increased the body weight of all animals across all groups in the range of 31.4-54g. When compared to their body weights before extract administration, it was found to be very effective at 100% extract by 54g. Therefore, the consumption and therapeutic use of the plant should be encouraged for the possible management and regulation of’ body weight, and a good health. Besides, the commonest thing that can be taken by man to live healthy is good food (nutrition).
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Vegetables have been reported to be highly nutritious and play a significant role in human especially as sources of phytonutriceuticals : vitamin ( C, A, B1, B6, B9, E) minerals, dietary fiber and phytochemicals (Ajibesin et al., 2008). Vegetables are the fresh and edibles portion of herbaceous plants. They constitute a very important food and highly beneficial for the maintenance of health and prevention of diseases. They have been reported to contain valuable food ingredients which can be successfully utilized to build-up and repair the body. There are different kinds of vegetables. They may be edible roots, stem, leaves, and fruits or seeds. And each group contributes to diet in its own way (Aletor and Adeogun, 1995).
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY.
Nutrition is an important element in the health of any living entity. In science, nutrients has been interpreted to be the interaction between nutrients and other substances in food such as phytonutrients, tannins etc. in relation to maintenance, growth, health, and disease of an organism. This includes food intake, absorption, assimilation, biosynthesis, catabolism and excretion and may have a direct bearing on the weight of the organism (Aletor and Adeogun, 1995).
The diet of any organism has been referred to whatever it takes in, which is largely determined by its availability, the processing and the palability of the food materials which include vegetables.
Vegetable contribute minerals, vitamins, and fiber to the diet. Minerals have been said to be naturally occurring inorganic substances with a definite chemical composition and an ordered atomic arrangement. In the most of plants, vegetables are known to be excellent sources of minerals and contribute to the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) of these essential Nutrients. Minerals are very important and essential ingredients of diet required for normal metabolic activities of body tissues (Hepper, 2001).
According to report, out of the 92 naturally occurring minerals 25 are present in living organisms which are constituents of bones, teeth, blood, muscles, hair and nerve cells. And vitamins cannot be properly assimilated without the correct balance of minerals.
Vitamins are needed for maintenance of skin, mucus, membranes, bones, teeth, hair vision and reproduction. They help body to absorb calcium and phosphorus needed for bone growth and maintenance. Vitamins are also involved in blood clothing, normal functioning of nervous system, endocrine glands, metabolism of macro molecules .Vegetable as a whole are considered as natural caches of nutrients given by nature to man (Makkar and Becker, 1997).
Several reports have shown that adequate intake of fruits and vegetables form an important part of a healthy diet and low fruit and vegetable intake constitute a risk factor for chronic diseases such as cancer, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and cataract formation. Scientific evidence indicates that frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables can prevent esophageal, stomach, pancreatic, bladder and cervical cancer and that a diet high in fruits and vegetables could prevent 20% of most types of cancers. And it is a man’s ill-health state that can lead to weight loss or being obese (Van Marken Lichtenbelt et al., 2000).
The term human or animal body weight scientifically is referred to a person’s or animals mass or weight. In this content weight loss refers to a reduction of the total body mass, due to a mean loss of fluid, body fat or adipose tissue and /or lean mass, namely bone mineral deposits, muscle, tendon and other connective tissue. It can either occur unintentionally due to malnourishment or a conscious effort to improve an actual or perceived overweight or obese state. Weight gain is an increase in body weight. This can involve an increase in muscle mass, fat deposits, excess fluids such as water or other factors; and can be a symptom of a serious medical condition.
Heinsia crinata is commonly known as “Bush Apple” it is called “Atama” and “Etaabbasi” by the Efiks and Ogonis respectively. And it is a common staple, especially by the people of the Niger Delta, south-south Nigeria. It’s medicinal potentials have been established, which include: flavonoid and phytochemical contents, and antibiotic properties. Its anti-diabetic properties and body weight effect have also been reported, as well as hematological effect and other biochemical indices (Gidamis et al., 2003). This necessitated further evaluation of the plant Heinsia crinata on the body weight of animal (Guinea pig).
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
It is on record that childhood and adolescents is also on the increase in south Africa and in other African countries including Nigeria due to the western world influence. Obesity has also been associated with diabetes mellitus due to increase in sedentary lifestyle by individuals and consumption of too many energy-rich diets (Miikue-yobe et al., 2016).
Research has shown that the consumption of fruits and vegetables which also include Heinsia crinata may be associated with a decreased incidence and mortality of a variety of chronic diseases which includes obesity. It has been shown to have positive effects in terms of weight management and obesity prevention. Therefore this necessitated further evaluation of the “the effect of Heinsia crinata on the body weight of Guinea pig.
1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVE
1.3.1 AIM
The aim of this research work was to investigate the effect of aqueous extracts of Heinsia crinata on the body weight of guinea pig.
1.3.1 OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study were:
- To observe the behaviour response of animals before and after extract administration.
- To administer Heinsia crinita at different concentrations to the Guinea pigs
- To see if there will be any observable difference in animal’s body weight due to administration on plant extract and comparing it to the control.
- To evaluate whether or not Heinsia crinita is responsible for increase or decrease in body weight based on results and to make recommendations were necessary.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
Virtually, anyone is prone to and can suffer from obesity and its complications irrespective of age and race. However, most persons believe that Heinsia crinata leafs when consumed for a long period can increase the body weight. This research work will help the general public in their body weight management when consuming Heinsia crinata. Besides, the outcome and data from this project work will go a long way in both present and future body weight-related research(s); in which case it will act as a reference material.
1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This study centers entirely on the evaluation of Heinsia crinata leafs on body weight of guinea pigs.
1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS
VEGETABLE:
A vegetable is any part of a plant that is consumed by human as food as part of a savory meal.
PHYTOCHEMICAL:
Phytochemical are chemical compound that occur naturally in plants.
OBESITY:
Is a medical condition in which excess body fat has been accumulated to the extent that it may have a negative effect on health.
Heinsia crinata:
This is a branching shrub in secondary forest or a small under storey tree in high forest, is about 8-25ft. sometimes up to 40ft high.
GUINEA PIG:
Is a species of rodent belonging to the family Caviidae and genus Cavia. Despite their common name, these animals are not in the pig family nor are they from Guinea.
BODY WEIGHT:
The term (human or animal) body weight scientifically is referred to a person’s or animals mass or weight
WEIGHT LOSS:
This refers to the reduction of the total body mass due to a mean loss of fluid, body fat or adipose tissue and or lean mass, namely bone mineral deposits, muscle, tendon and other connective tissue.
WEIGHT GAIN:
This is an increase in body weight.