Ameliorative Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa Extract against Carbon tetrachlorideinduced Lipid Peroxidation, Oxidative Stress and Hepatic Damage in Rats

Abstract

Objective Hibiscus sabdariffa is a medicinal plant associated with beneficial health effects.
The leaves and flowers are used as traditional drinks and medicines in countries. The current
study aimed to investigate H. sabdariffa L. methanolic extract ameliorative potential against
carbon tetrachloride-induced lipid peroxidation, hepatic damage and oxidative stress.
Methods Adult male Wistar rats were administered 2.5 ml/kg body weight of CCl4 by
oral gavage to induce oxidative stress 48 hours before administration of 200, 600 to
1000 mg/kg doses of H. sabdariffa methanolic extract to group 3, 4 and 5, respectively
for 10 days (n = 5). Group 1 was used as negative control, while group 2 was used
as positive-comparative control (2.5 ml/kg CCl4). At the end of the experiment, serum
glutathione (GSH), vitamin C and E, MDA, liver damage markers and antioxidant enzymes
were analysed in all the groups.
Results Carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress in experimental rats was evidenced
by increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduction in SOD, catalase and reduced
glutathione (GSH). H. sabdariffa extract treatment at 600 and 1000 mg/kg doses resulted in
significant modulation of antioxidant indices and alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.05), but failed
to demonstrate significant effects in AST, ALT and MDA. There were significant increases
(p < 0.05) in the serum vitamin C and E at 600 and 1000mg/kg doses of the extract.
Conclusion The overall results suggest that H. sabdariffa contains bioactive phytochemicals
that may improve hepatic status and ameliorate oxidative damage at high doses in
carbon tetrachloride intoxication.