HIGH DOSE PAXHERBAL BITTERS: IMPACT ON LIVER FUNCTION STATUS IN MALE WISTAR RATS ON A HIGH FRUCTOSE DIET

ABSTRACT

There is an increasing question about the risks and benefits of consuming high sugar diets in the world today, particularly in connection to metabolic syndromes. This study explores the impact of Pax herbal bitters on liver function, in male Wistar rats being fed a high fructose diet. The Wistar rats were divided into four groups of five rats each, each subjected to a specific diet, including high fructose diets and the oral administration of Pax Herbal Bitters. The experiment was conducted using standard laboratory materials, procedures, and assay protocols. Group 1 received a basal diet of standard pelleted mash and clean tap water, while all other groups took an experimental diet of 60% fructose diet and 10% fructose water. Group 3 and Group 4 were additionally treated with Atorvastatin and Paxherbal bitters, respectively, given through orogastric gavage on a daily basis. The rats were fed ad libitum for four weeks. The rats were also observed for signs of toxicity or mortality. At the end of the experimental period, after they were sacrificed, the rats' blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Liver function tests, which included assessments of various liver enzymes and biomarkers, were conducted to assess Pax Herbal Bitters' impact on liver health. The data was analysed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey's multiple comparison post hoc test, and only a p value < (0.05) was taken as statistically significant. The results revealed significant changes in liver function parameters, with Paxherbal Bitters having a significant impact in mitigating the damage brought on by the high fructose diet. This Indicates that Paxherbal Bitters may be useful in managing hepatoxicity, brought in by a high sugar diet.