Biochemical Effects of Oral Administration of Aqueous Extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa on Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

Hibiscus sabdariffa had been reported to have a broad range of therapeutic effects. The effects of oral administration of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract on some biochemical parameters were studied in wistar albino rats. A total of twenty five (25) male albino rats were grouped randomly into groups. Group A (control), Group B (0.6g/100ml of water of HS extract) Group C (1.2g/100ml HS extract), Group D (1.8g/100ml HS extract) and Group E (1.8g/100ml + vitamin C) and treatment period was 28 days. The results indicate an increase activity of liver function enzymes; alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST). This increase was statistically significant (p<0.05) when compared with Group A (control) in a dose dependent manner.No significant difference was observed in total and direct bilirubin in all the groups. Similarly for renal indices, bicarbonate (Hco 3), urea and creatinine in all the groups, but a significant increase (p<0.05) in sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) and chloride were noted in comparison to the control.It is of note that there was no significant difference between results of Group E and the control (Group A). However, this study suggests that long term administration of the extract may indeed be toxic to liver and kidney especially at high doses.

Histological and Biochemical Evaluation of the Kidney following Chronic Consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa

“…Therefore the significant increase in the serum chloride and bicarbonate ions following administration of aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa at various doses could be indicative of tubular and glomerular dysfunction. Our observation is contrary to the study by Emelike and Dapper [4].…”

“…The serum potassium (K + ) level was decreased. This observation is in concert with studies by Abubakar et al [12] and Emelike and Dapper [4]. The mechanism for this is not clear.…”

“…It has been reported that aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa is rich in sodium ions (Na + ), implying that its oral consumption may increase plasma sodium (Na + ) levels. A mechanism for the sodium increase could be due to the action of the flavonoid content of Hibiscus sabdariffa [4].…”

“…Some studies reported effects of HS to include reduction in blood pressure [3] and lipid peroxidation [4], hepatoprotective effects in a range of models based on toxin-induced hepatitis [5,6], antilithiatic effect [7], anti-anaemic effect [8].…”

Lipid Lowering Potential of &lt;i&gt;Malakwang&lt;/i&gt; (&lt;i&gt;Hibiscus&lt;/i&gt;) Species Leaf Extract in Hyperlipidaemia-Induced Rats

“…Epidemiological studies have reported their wide range of remedies for metabolic syndromes including hypolipidemia, hypoazetomia, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, inflammation and the ability to regulate renal functions worldwide [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]. The therapeutic factors reported to be the attributing factors are the high content of vitamins and mineral elements as well as phytochemicals with antioxidants activities [6] [7].…”