Impact of Cucumber Supplementation on some Hepato-Renal Parameters in the Elderly Individuals in Nnewi

Background: As people age, they often undergo different changes in biochemical markers, which may make them more vulnerable to problems related to liver and kidney disease. Incorporating foods high in antioxidant-rich compounds may have a favorable effect on the liver and kidney function. Cucumis sativus (cucumber) contains inorganic elements and phytochemicals believed to play important roles in human health, particularly in terms of the liver and kidney health and function. Method: This pre-post study evaluated the effect of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) supplementation on some hepatorenal parameters in older adults in Nnewi. Thirty (30) apparently healthy older adults (15 males and 15 females) aged between 45 and 75 years were recruited for the study using simple random sampling. Five milliliters (5ml) of fasting venous sample was taken from each participant on day 0 and at 28 days following daily consumption of 400g cucumber. Serum urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were analysed using spectrophotometric methods. Frequencies, percentages and paired t-test was used to compare the data obtained before and after cucumber supplementation with statistical significance assumed at p<0.05. Results: The results showed that the mean serum urea (4.68±1.22 Vs 4.32±0.97; P=0.026) and creatinine (105.33±14.35 Vs 95.63±12.75; P=0.000) levels as well as ALT (6.82±3.76 Vs 5.64±3.42; P=0.002), AST (5.88±3.25 Vs 5.51±3.05; P=0.037) and ALP (35.06±6.14 Vs 29.72±9.76; P=0.000) activities were all significantly decreased after cucumber supplementation when compared to their baseline levels. Conclusion: This study has shown that cucumber has hepatorenal-protective effects.