Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Petals of Red and GreenHibiscus sabdariffa. on Plasma Lipid and Hematological Variables in Rats

Abstract

The effects of administrating aqueous extracts of the petals of red and green Hibiscus sabdariffa (1.0 and 1.5 mg=kg body weight) on hematological and plasma lipid variables were examined in rats. Animals were randomly divided into group A (control), groups B and C (treated with 1.0 and 1.5 mg=kg body weight, respectively, of the extract of petals of red Hibiscus sabdariffa), and groups D and E (treated with 1.0 and 1.5 mg=kg body weight, respectively, of the extract of petals of green Hibiscus sabdariffa). The chronic administration of both extracts for 28 days resulted in significant decreases in the plasma total cholesterol levels at 1.5 mg=kg body weight (p < 0.05) while the extracts led to significant decreases in LDL-cholesterol levels at both 1.0 and 1.5 mg=kg body weight only (p < 0.05). In contrast, the administration of the extracts did not have any significant effect on HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and platelet count values when compared with the controls (p > 0.05). These results indicate that the lowered plasma total cholesterol concentrations induced by aqueous extracts of either red or green Hibiscus sabdariffa petals is strongly associated with decreased LDL-cholesterol concentrations. Thus, both extracts could exert similar cardiovascular protective effects.

Mechanism of delayed puberty in rats whose mothers consumedHibiscus sabdariffaduring lactation

“…HS has been reported to be effective at decreasing the levels of total plasma lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides, suggesting the possibility that HS may function as an anti-obesity agent (Kim et al, 2003;Olatunji et al, 2005;Hirunpanich et al, 2006). This anti-obesity effect of HS has been confirmed by Alarcon-Aguilar et al (2007) when they observed significantly reduced body weight gain in monosodium glutamate-induced obese mice.…”

Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa on obesity in MSG mice

“…Some studies have reported that Hibiscus sabdariffa is effective for decreasing the levels of total lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides, suggesting the possibility that Hibiscus sabdariffa functions as an anti-obesity agent (Kim et al, 2003;Olatunji et al, 2005;Hirunpanich et al, 2006). However, it has not yet been reported whether Hibiscus sabdariffa affects body weight gain in obesity models.…”

Effect of ethanol seed extract of Buccholzia coriacea (wonderful kola) on the lipid profile of albino rats

“…The main identified determinants of hyperlipidemia are increased LDL-cholesterol and reduced HDL-cholesterol (Ghasi et al, 2002;Ugwu et al, 2013). Thus, any attempt to lower serum concentrations of LDL and increase HDL concentration is considered as one of the strategies that can hinder or delay the on-set of chronic disorders that are associated with hyperlipidemia in humans (Olantunji et al, 2005;Ezekwesili et al, 2008).…”

“…These deposits narrow the arterial channels and partly block the normal flow of blood through them (Ahman et al, 1992;Ugwu et al, 2013;Ghasi et al, 2002;Olantunji et al, 2005;Ezekwesili et al, 2008). The decrease in blood flow and oxygen can result in stroke, partial paralysis, loss of speech and sometimes death (Olson, 1998).…”

“…Atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease is a condition characterized by deposits of lipids, mainly cholesterol on the inner walls of the arteries (Ghasi et al, 2002;Ugwu et al, 2013;Olantunji et al, 2005;Ezekwesili et al, 2008). These deposits narrow the arterial channels and partly block the normal flow of blood through them (Ahman et al, 1992;Ugwu et al, 2013;Ghasi et al, 2002;Olantunji et al, 2005;Ezekwesili et al, 2008).…”