Metabolic and Pancreatic Effects of Short-Term Bitter Leaf Enriched Herbal Tea Blend Consumption in A Healthy Student Population
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Abstract
Background: Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter Leaf) Enriched Herbal Tea Blend (BLEHTB) is commonly consumed for its assumed medicinal effects although there is limited scientific evidence in this respect. This pre-post study evaluated the effects of BLEHTB consumption on body weight (WT), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin (INS), amylase, and lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)) among healthy students in Nnewi.
Method: Ten (10) participants aged 18-30 years were randomly selected and received 200 ml of BLEHT daily for 21 days. WT, Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), and pulse (P) were measured, and fasting blood samples were collected at baseline (Day 0), mid-intervention (Day 11), and post-intervention (Day 22) to determine biochemical parameters using standard methods.
Results: The mean body weight (67.8±14.1 Vs 68.4±14.0 kg/m2; p = 0.012) was significantly increased after the consumption of BLEHT compared to baseline value. However, the mean serum TC, TG and LDL-C levels at day 11and day 22 were significantly decreased following BLEHT consumption compared to baseline values respectively (p<0.05). HDL-C was significantly increased at day 22 post BLEHT consumption than at baseline (1.50±0.51 Vs 1.00±0.17 mmol/l; p = 0.004). However, BMI, pulse, FPG, INS and Amylase activity remained the same after intervention (p>0.05).
Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that BLEHT intake has cardio-protective effects on a short-term basis. Long-term studies are desirable.
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