Spectrophotometric evaluation of Slimming teas, Its effects on the hepatic and renal integrity in hyperlipidemia female rat model

Abstract

Obesity and its related complications, including hyperlipidemia, pose significant health challenges globally. Amidst various weight management strategies, the consumption of slimming teas has gained popularity, yet concerns persist regarding their safety and efficacy. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the heavy metal content of two commonly consumed slim tea in Port Harcourt, Nigeria and further evaluated the effect of the consumption of the slim tea by Infusion on the hepatic and renal function of hyperlipidemia female rat models. The samples were treated using acid digestion method and concentrations of Copper, Lead, Cadmium, Nickel, Zinc and Chromium were assessed using the Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Forty-two female rats were divided into 7 groups for the evaluation of the effect of slim tea on the hepatic and renal function. At the end of 21 days, blood samples were collected. The results obtained revealed that Lead, Cadmium, Nickel, Zinc and Chromium were all above the WHO permissible range in both Tea 1 &2, while Copper was within the permissible range. An increase in blood Urea and Creatinine levels in the rat models administered the teas when compared to the normal and positive control groups was observed. The hepatic markers; ALT, AST, ALP recorded a significant increase while the serum TB, CB and Albumin had a decrease in concentration for all tea samples when compared to the positive and normal control. The histological examination of the revealed lymphocytic infiltration of the portal tract and mild fatty infiltration of the hepatocyte for the groups administered 200mg/kg tea 1 and 200mg/kg tea 2 respectively. The high (p