The Impact of Regular Consumption of Polyherbal Medicine on the Cardiovascular Parameters of Consumers in Nnewi Metropolis

Abstract

Background: The consumption of polyherbal medicine (agbo) in developing countries like Nigeria is widespread due to lack of affordable and accessible healthcare. The attendant health challenges arising from the consumption of these products are yet to be fully elucidated. This study evaluated the levels of some cardiovascular parameters on consumers of polyherbal medicine (agbo) in Nnewi metropolis. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving a total of sixty four (64) polyherbal drug consumers (test) and sixty four (64) non-consumers (control) aged between 18 and 65 years and domiciled within Nnewi metropolis. Five millilitres (5 ml) of blood sample were collected from each of the participants for the evaluation of some biochemical parameters (Apo A1, Apo B and some lipid profile) using standard laboratory methods. Results: Results showed no significant difference in the mean systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse rate, and body mass index (BMI) in polyherbal consumers (test group) when compared with non-consumers of polyherbal medicine (control groups) (p>0.05). Similarly, the mean serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoproteins and Apo B did not differ significantly in test group when compared with the control group (p>0.05). However, Apo A1 was significantly higher in the test group when compared with the control group (p<0.05). There were no significant correlations between duration of intake and frequency of intake with the various biochemical parameters in test and control group (p>0.05). Conclusion: Thus, poly herbal medicine intake may prove to be beneficial to cardiovascular system due to its improvement in Apo A1 level without alterations in other cardiovascular markers.