Hibiscus: A different hue in histopathology

Abstract

Background: Nature is vibrant and has an abundance of colors. The use of natural hues in histopathology could offer an economical and feasible alternative to the routinely used stains in special circumstances. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of the extract of Hibiscus as a counterstain to hematoxylin. Methodology: Hibiscus calyces were sun dried and powdered. Alcoholic and water extracts were obtained by refluxing the powder with 95% ethanol and distilled water, respectively, for 3 h, and then cooled and filtered. Sections from 12 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks, including both oral mucosal and skin tissues, were used. Nuclear staining was done with hematoxylin, following which the sections were stained with both alcoholic and aqueous Hibiscus extract for 10 min at room temperature using a dropper. All the slides were coded and were reviewed by three blinded oral pathologists for staining efficiency and intensity. NPar test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Kappa statistics were done to assess the staining efficiency, intensity, and interobserver reliability for the selected parameters. Results: Statistically significant difference was not seen between Hibiscus extract and the controls, except in relation to staining of the basement membrane. Conclusion: Easily available and economical Hibiscus extract is an attractive alternative to eosin. Further studies involving the addition of mordants to the extract and its use as a special stain has to be explored.

Staining Property of Alcoholic and Aqueous Hibiscus sabdariffa Extract in Demonstration of Selected Bacteria in Tissue Sections of Wistar Rats

“…Alcohol extract: Alcoholic extract was obtained by refluxing 5 g and 10 g of the dry mill calyx weighed with a sensitive balance, each dissolved in 100 ml of 80% ethanol for 4 hours, and then was filtered [10] with filter paper, then transferred into six reagent bottles and Four were respectively treated with 0.5 ml of Glacial acetic acid and Ammonium hydroxide, while two remain untreated. Thymol was added for preservation and the whole contents were mixed, corked and labelled appropriately [1].…”

Study of Staining Capability of Alcoholic and Aqueous Hibiscus sabdariffa Extract in Demonstration of Selected Fungal Moulds in Some Selected Tissue Section of Wistar Rat

“…Alcohol extract: Alcoholic extract was obtained by refluxing 5 g and 10 g of the dry mill calyx weighed with a sensitive balance, each dissolved in 100 ml of 80% ethanol for 4 hours, and then was filtered [12] with filter paper, then transferred into six reagent bottles and Four were respectively treated with 0.5ml of Glacial acetic acid and Ammonium hydroxide, while two remain untreated. Thymol was added and the whole contents were mixed, corked and labeled appropriately [1].…”

Staining Efficacy of Rose Extract in Comparison with Eosin Stain: A Histological Study on Oral Tissues

“…The staining solution was prepared as per the previous study conducted by Sridhara et al 4 Both rose extract solutions were filtered using a Whatman filter paper. However, pH and concentration were standardized using trial and error method.…”

“…3 The natural extract dyes are eco-friendly and possess the advantage of being nonhazardous. 4 Use of natural rose extract for staining of histopathologic sections would be economical as they are easily available. Therefore, rose extracts can be used as a substitute for synthetic eosin stain.…”