Biochemical Effects of the Aqueous Extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa on Liver Marker Enzymes and Lipid Profiles in Acetaminophen-challenged Rats

摘要

Background and Objective: Hibiscus sabdariffa is one of the medicinal plants that have been shown to possess antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects in rats. This study was conducted to determine the hepato-regenerative properties of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa leaves in acetaminophen induction of the liver by using rat model. Materials and Methods: Twenty Wistar Albino rats were used for this study and were divided into four groups. Group 1 rats were normal control group 2 (positive control) rats were administered acetaminophen only at a dose of 750 mg kg–1 b.wt., i.p. Both rats of group 3 and 4 were administered low and high doses respectively at 600 mg kg–1 b.wt., of the extract after induction of acetaminophen. The results were analyzed using one way analysis of variance using SPSS version 20. Results: Group 2 rats treated with acetaminophen only showed significant increase (p<0.05) in ALT, AST and ALP activities compared to group 1 rats. The administration of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract after the induction of acetaminophen significantly (p<0.05) decreased the ALT and AST activity when compared with group 2 (acetaminophen-induced alone). There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the total protein and albumin concentration of the group 2 rats when compared to the treatment groups. Also treatment with extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa showed significant reduction (p<0.05) in the LDL concentration of group 3 and 4 when compared with group 2 rats. Conversely, significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in total cholesterol, HDL and triacylglycerol concentration of the group 2 rats when compared with group 1 rats. However, treatment with Hibiscus sabdariffa caused a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the total cholesterol, HDL and triacylglycerol concentrations of the rats in group 3 and 4 when compared to the group 2 rats. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa could have the ability to protect the liver against paracetamol induced hepatocellular injury, reduce blood cholesterol levels and this could be due to its free radical scavenging property and the presence of natural antioxidants.