Extract Of Hibiscus Sabdariffa Research Articles

Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf polyphenolic extract induces human melanoma cell death, apoptosis, and autophagy.

Melanoma is the least common but most fatal form of skin cancer. Previous studies have indicated that an aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa leaves possess hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant effects. In this study, we want to investigate the anticancer activity of Hibiscus leaf polyphenolic (HLP) extract in melanoma cells. First, HLP was exhibited to be rich in epicatechin gallate (ECG) and other polyphenols. Apoptotic and autophagic activities of HLP and ECG were further evaluated by DAPI stain, cell-cycle analysis, and acidic vascular organelle (AVO) stain. Our results revealed that both HLP and ECG induced the caspases cleavages, Bcl-2 family proteins regulation, and Fas/FasL activation in A375 cells. In addition, we also revealed that the cells presented AVO-positive after HLP treatments. HLP could increase the expressions of autophagy-related proteins autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG5), Beclin1, and light chain 3-II (LC3-II), and induce autophagic cell death in A375 cells. These data indicated that the anticancer effect of HLP, partly contributed by ECG, in A375 cells. HLP potentially could be developed as an antimelanoma agent.

Assessment of Hepatorenal Indices in Rats Fed with Aqueous Extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa

The effects of sub-chronic administration of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) on liver and kidney functions were investigated in Wistar rats. Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of 5 rats each. Group A served as the control and was given 5ml/kg of normal saline. Groups B to F were administered HS extract at 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000mg/kg respectively for 6 weeks. Indices of liver and kidney functions were measured and body weight changes monitored. A dose-dependent increase in the activities of liver enzymes and kidney indices was observed. The activities of aspartate aminotranferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase increased significantly (p<0.05) at doses of 2000mg/kg and above when compared to control while urea, creatinine and uric acid increased significantly (p<0.05) at 1000mg/kg and above. There was a significant (p<0.05) and dose-dependent decrease in weights of rats in the experimental groups. Signs of renal impairment were observed at 1000mg/kg and above while hepatic impairment occurred at 2000mg/kg and above. Thus, the present study has shown that below 1000mg/kg, HS consumption is safe and will not affect the functions of the liver and kidney.

Green reduction of graphene oxide by Hibiscussabdariffa L. to fabricate flexible graphene electrode

The aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L., which is inherently non-toxic, environmentally friendly and cost effective, was used as a green reducing agent to chemically reduce graphene oxide (GO). The GO and reduced graphene oxide by the aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HRGO), prepared under different conditions, were characterized. The characterization was conducted to better understand the evolution of HRGO from GO. The flexible graphene film electrodes were fabricated using the synthesized HRGO as a primary material that exhibited a good specific capacitance of 133.07Fg−1, which attributed to the surface modification of the HRGO using the extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Furthermore, over four orders of magnitude in electric conductivity (while the sheet resistance decreased from 0.63MΩ/sq. to 36.50Ω/sq.) were achieved with an excellent specific capacitance of 204.38Fg−1 when the HRGO was treated in a household microwave oven.

The aqueous calyx extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa may lower blood pressure and pulse rate by sympathetic nervous system‐dependent mechanism(s) (1170.11)

This study tested the hypothesis that the hypotensive effect of the aqueous calyx extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) may be sympathetically mediated. Following ethical approval and informed consent, the cold pressor test (CPT) was performed in 20 healthy subjects before and after the oral administration of 15mg/Kg HS. The blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate (PR) responses were measured digitally. Mean arterial pressure (MAP; taken as representative BP) was calculated. Experiments were performed in accordance with the Principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Results are expressed as mean ±SEM. P&lt;0.05 was considered significant. CPT done in the absence of HS resulted in a significant rise in BP and PR (111.1 ± 2.1mmHg and 100.8 ± 2.0/min) from the basal values (97.9±1.9mmHg and 87.8±2.1/min; P&lt;0.0001 respectively). In the presence of HS however, these fell significantly (101.5±1.8mmHg and 92.4±2.0/min; P&lt;0.0001 respectively). These results suggest that the hypotensive effect of HS may be due to an attenuation of the discharge of the sympathetic nervous system.Grant Funding Source: Personal Funds

Hematopoietic effect of the aqueous calyx extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa in rats (LB549)

Cyclophosphamide, a widely‐used immunosuppressive agent, may adversely affect the bone marrow. This study investigated the hematopoietic effect of the aqueous calyx extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) in cyclophosphamide‐induced anaemic rats. H. sabdariffa (HS) is used locally as a hematinic concoction supposedly to raise blood level. 50g of pulverized HS leaves were boiled in 500ml distilled water and the filterate air‐dried at 400C. Wistar rats (n = 24) treated as approved by Lagos State University College of Medicine Experimental Animal Ethics Committee, were grouped into 4: Control ‐ water ad libitum; Group I‐ 200mg/Kg/day HS Extract; GP II 30mg/kg/day Cyclophosphamide for 5 days and Group III – HS 200mg/Kg/day for 30 days + 30mg/kg/day Cyclophosphamide for 5 days. Blood sample was collected directly from the heart chambers of the rats after a light anaesthesia with diethyl ether. In Group I, HS extract caused increase in Hb, PCV, RBC, platelet (PLT) count, MCV, and MCH (p&lt;0.05) compared with Control. In Group II, there was significant reduction in Hb, PCV, RBC, MCV, MCH and PLT count (p&lt;0.05) compared with control (p&lt;0.05) and Group I (p&lt;0.05). In GP III, Hb, PCV, RBC, and platelet count were similar to that of Gp I (p &gt; 0.05). The results from this study suggest a hematopoietic potential for the aqueous leaf extract of H. sabdariffa.

AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF &lt;i&gt;HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA&lt;/i&gt; LINN ON SUBCHRONIC CHLORPYRIFOS-INDUCED ALTERATIONS IN SEX AND THYROID HORMONES IN MALE WISTAR RATS

Studies have shown that Chlorpyrifos (CPF), an Organophosphate (OP) insecticide alters both sex and thyroid hormones. Apart from inhibiting Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, CPF has been shown to cause oxidative stress. The antioxidant potentials of many flavonoid-containing plants are increasingly being exploited in the therapy of many infectious and non-infectious diseases. Hibiscus Sabdariffa (HS) is one of the most widely used nutraceuticals that has been used traditionally to combat various illnesses due to its high flavonoid contents. The present study was therefore aimed at evaluating the ameliorative potentials of HS on subchronic chlorpyrifos-evoked alterations in sex and thyroid hormones in male Wistar rats. Forty-two (42) young adult male Wistar rats were divided at random into six groups containing seven (7) rats per group. Group I was administered distilled water (2 mL kg-1) only while group II received soya oil (2 mL kg-1), Group III was dosed with only aqueous extract of HS (500 mL kg-1 ~ 1/10th of the LD50), while group IV was given CPF (10.6 mL kg-1 ~ 1/8th of the LD50). Group V was pretreated with low dose of HS (250 mg kg-1 ~ 1/20th of the LD50) and then administered reconstituted CPF (10.6 mg kg-1), 30 min later. Group VI was pretreated with high dose of the HS (500 mg kg-1) and then administered CPF (10.6 mg kg-1), 30 min later. The regimens were administered orally by gavage once daily for a period of 11 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, sera obtained from the blood samples were analyzed for the levels of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), testosterone, thyroid hormones (T3, T4 and TSH) and AChE. Thyroid and pituitary glands of each rat were also evaluated for Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. Results showed a non-significant (p>0.05) decrease in the concentrations of FSH, LH and testosterone in the CPF group relative to the other groups. There was significant decrease (p<0.05) in the concentrations of T3, T4 and an increase in TSH in the CPF group relative to the other groups. There were significant increases (p<0.05) in MDA concentrations in the thyroid and pituitary glands in the CPF group compared to the other groups. Pretreatment with aqueous extract of HS demonstrated a dose-dependent amelioration of CPF-induced alterations in the levels of testosterone, LH, FSH, AChE, T3, T4 and TSH in the serum and that of pituitary and thyroid glands MDA. This may be partly due to its high level of polyphenolic compounds that confer its antioxidant and possibly AChE restoration activities. It is therefore concluded that pretreatment of individuals who are occupationally exposed to CPF and probably other OPs with the extract of HS may result in protection from the insecticide-induced adverse reproductive health outcomes.

English

Medicinal herbs are commonly used worldwide as immune boosters and immunomodulators in the management of various disease conditions. Many of these herbs commonly used have not been scientifically evaluated for their immune modulating activities. The study investigated the immunomodulatory activity of the total crude leaf extract of&nbsp;Hibiscus sabdariffa&nbsp;in Wistar albino rats. It was an experimental study that was conducted on four groups of animals each with 6 healthy adult rats. Group I was dosed each with 1mL of normal saline. Groups II, III and IV were dosed 1mL of 125, 250 and 500 mg/Kg bwt of total crude extract, daily for 14 days respectively. On the 15th&nbsp;day, whole blood was collected into a clean&nbsp;ethlenediaminetetracetic acid&nbsp;(EDTA)-vacutainer. The complete blood count (CBC), immune blood cell count, hemagglutination antibody (HA) titers, neutrophil adhesion and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response were determined. All the doses caused an increase in mean red blood cell (RBC) counts as compared to control group. Similarly, the mean percentage neutrophils, monocytes, basophils and eosinophils increased with dose while the opposite was true for percentage lymphocytes. The mean HA titers for the herb were higher than control though no statistical difference (p&ge;0.05) was observed. Similar effects were observed with neutrophil adhesions response as that of HA titers. For DTH, the highest footpad thickness (175.2% increment) was observed at a dose of 500 mg/Kg bwt after 12 h and was statistically significant (p&le;0.05) as compared to control.&nbsp;H. sabdariffa&nbsp;contain compounds with immunomodulatory activity in Wistar albino rats. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Immunomodulation,&nbsp;Hibiscus sabdariffa,&nbsp;total crude extracts.

&lt;i&gt;In vitro&lt;/i&gt; inhibitory activities of the extract of &lt;i&gt;Hibiscus sabdariffa&lt;/i&gt; L. (family malvaceae) on selected cytochrome p450 isoforms

Literature is scanty on the interaction potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa L., plant extract with other drugs and the affected targets. This study was conducted to investigate the cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms that are inhibited by the extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in vitro. The inhibition towards the major drug metabolizing CYP isoforms by the plant extract were estimated in human liver microsomal incubations, by monitoring the CYP-specific model reactions through previously validated N-in-one assay method. The ethanolic extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa showed inhibitory activities against nine selected CYP isoforms: CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4. The concentrations of the extract which produced 50% inhibition of the CYP isoforms ranged from 306 µg/ml to 1660 µg/ml, and the degree of inhibition based on the IC50 values for each CYP isoform was in the following order: CYP1A2 > CYP2C8 > CYP2D6 > CYP2B6 > CYP2E1 > CYP2C19 > CYP3A4 >> CYP2C9 >> CYP2A6. Ethanolic extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa caused inhibition of CYP isoforms in vitro. These observed inhibitions may not cause clinically significant herb-drug interactions; however, caution may need to be taken in co-administering the water extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa with other drugs until clinical studies are available to further clarify these findings.

Wound Healing Potential of Formulated Extract from Hibiscus Sabdariffa Calyx

Wound healing agents support the natural healing process, reduce trauma and likelihood of secondary infections and hasten wound closure. The wound healing activities of water in oil cream of the methanol extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) was evaluated in rats with superficial skin excision wounds. Antibacterial activities against Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Echerichia coli were determined. The total flavonoid content, antioxidant properties and thin layer chromatographic fingerprints of the extract were also evaluated. The extract demonstrated antioxidant properties with a total flavonoid content of 12.30±0.09 mg/g. Six reproducible spots were obtained using methanol:water (95:5) as the mobile phase. The extract showed no antimicrobial activity on the selected microorganisms, which are known to infect and retard wound healing. Creams containing H. sabdariffa extract showed significant (P<0.05) and concentration dependent wound healing activities. There was also evidence of synergism with creams containing a combination of gentamicin and H. sabdariffa extract. This study, thus, provides evidence of the wound healing potentials of the formulated extract of the calyces of H. sabdariffa and synergism when co-formulated with gentamicin.

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. aqueous extract attenuates hepatic steatosis through down-regulation of PPAR-γ and SREBP-1c in diet-induced obese mice

The growing incidence of obesity is a worldwide public health problem leading to a risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which extends from steatosis to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. We investigated whether the aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Hs) reduces body weight gain and protects the liver by improving lipid metabolism in high fat diet-induced obese C57BL/6NHsd mice. We found that oral administration of the Hs extract reduced fat tissue accumulation, diminished body weight gain and normalized the glycemic index as well as reduced dyslipidemia compared to the obese mice group that did not receive Hs treatment. In addition, Hs treatment attenuated liver steatosis, down-regulated SREBP-1c and PPAR-γ, blocked the increase of IL-1, TNF-α mRNA and lipoperoxidation and increased catalase mRNA. Our results suggest that the anti-obesity, anti-lipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of the Hs extract are related to the regulation of PPAR-γ and SREBP-1c in the liver.

Hibiscus Sabdariffa Linnaeus (Malvaceae), Curcumin and Resveratrol as Alternative Medicinal Agents Against Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is an obesity-associated collection of disorders, each of which contributes to cardiovascular risk. For patients with MS, it is difficult to follow a diet/exercise regime that would improve their symptoms. Therefore, the investigation of agents that may deal with its more serious aspects is an important medical field for research. Numerous experimental studies have confirmed the important role of medicinal plants or their active components in the prevention and treatment, and in lowering risk factors of MS. As oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in the association between obesity, insulin resistance (IR) and hypertension, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant components like polyphenols might be useful as a treatment for MS. The aqueous extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa L (HSE), rich in several polyphenols, is commonly and effectively used in native medicines against hypertension, diabetes and liver disorders. HSE has also shown therapeutic promise in the prevention of MS in patients, probably due to its polyphenol content. Curcumins, derived from the spice turmeric, and resveratrol, polyphenols found in grapes and red wine respectively, in addition to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, inhibit preadipocyte proliferation, de novo lipogenesis and fat accumulation in liver. Thus, due to their efficacy in the regulation of multiple targets, polyphenols have received considerable interest as potential therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of MS. This review discusses the therapeutic use of HSE, as well as curcumin and resveratrol, in the context of obesity as an initiator of insulin resistance and hypertension, the two main features of MS, together with the underlying mechanisms of action.

Effects of Oral Administration of Aqueous Extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa on Some Haematological Parameters of Wistar Albino Rats

The effects of oral administration of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract on some haematological parameters of wistar albino rats were studied. 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. A decrease in body weight of the rats was observed except in Group A (control) and Group E. Haematological parameters; (Haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total white blood cells (WBC) and differentials) increased significantly (p<0.05) in all the groups when compared with Group A (control) in a dose dependent manner. The study suggests that administration of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa might be beneficial to the haematopoietic system.

Long-term ingestion of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract enhances myocardial capillarization in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

The effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) in lowering blood pressure in human and animal hypertension have been documented. This study investigated the effect of the water extract of the dried calyx of HS and Hibiscus anthocyanins (HAs) on left ventricular myocardial capillary length and surface area in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Twelve-week-old male SHRs were divided into eight groups (six rats in each group). Three groups were given three doses; 10%, 15% and 20% of the water extract of HS in lieu of drinking water for 10 consecutive weeks (HS10, HS15 and HS20) with one group kept as control (C). Another three groups were given three doses of the HAs orally at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg for five consecutive days with one group kept as a control (C). Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures, as well as heart rate (HR), were measured weekly. After the experimental protocols, the left ventricles (LV) of all rats were obtained. Capillary surface area density and length density were determined by unbiased sterological methods on 3 μm LV tissue samples from perfusion-fixed hearts. HS ingestion significantly reduced SBP, DBP and LV mass in a dose-dependent fashion but did not affect the HR. HS significantly increased surface area and length density of myocardial capillaries by 59%, 65% and 86%, and length density by 57%, 77% and 57%, respectively. Myocyte nuclear volume was significantly decreased in HS-treated rats. There was a decrease (although insignificant) in SBP and DBP with HA ingestion compared with controls. These changes suggest that the observed beneficial effect of HS on high BP in SHRs could be mediated through a reduction in the diffusion distance between capillaries and myocytes, as well as new vessel formation. It is proposed that these effects might be beneficial in restoring myocyte normal nutritional status compromised by the hypertrophic state of hypertension.

A Polyphenol Extract ofHibiscus sabdariffaL. Ameliorates Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatic Steatosis by Attenuating the Mitochondrial Dysfunctionin Vivoandin Vitro

Oxidative stress is the major contributor to acetaminophen (AAP)-caused liver damage. It promotes mitochondrial oxidative stress and collapses the mitochondrial membrane potential to cause cell death. We have previously shown that a polyphenol extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HPE) potentiated the antioxidative effect. We further examined in this study the possible mechanism of HPE against AAP-caused liver damage. BABL/c mice were orally fed with HPE (100, 200 or 300 mg/kg) for two weeks prior to an i.p. injection of 1000 mg/kg of AAP. The mice were decapitated 6 h after the AAP injection to collect the blood and liver for further determination. The results show that pretreating with HPE increased the level of glutathione (GSH), decreased the level of lipid peroxidation, and increased catalase activity in the liver. A histopathological evaluation shows that HPE could decrease AAP-induced liver sterosis accompanied by a decreased expression of AIF, Bax, Bid, and p-JNK in the liver. An in vitro assay revealed that HPE could reduce AAP-induced death of BABL/c normal liver cells (BNLs), reverse the lost mitochondrial potency and improve the antioxidative status, similarly to the results of the in vivo assay. We show in this study that HPE possessed the ability to protect the liver from AAP-caused injury. The protective mechanism might be regulated by decreasing oxidative stress and attenuating the mitochondrial dysfunction.

Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa and its Anthocyanins on Some Reproductive Aspects in Rats

An aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. is a common beverage in many parts of the world. Reports on its effect on reproduction are conflicting, with anecdotal evidence that the plant is an aphrodisiac, while others report that it is estrogenic, and adversely affects spermatogenesis in rats. We have studied the effect of different concentrations of aqueous extracts of H. sabdariffa calyces (10%, 15% and 20%) used as drinking water for 10 consecutive weeks, and its anthocyanins (50, 100, 200 mg/kg for 5 days, orally) on the weight and histology of the testis, and on some biochemical constituents in testicular homogenates, in addition to the plasma concentrations of testosterone, luteinizing hormone and estradiol. The possible presence of an estrogenic effect of the extract and anthocyanins on the uteri of immature female rats was also tested. Neither the H. sabdariffa extract nor the anthocyanins significantly altered either testicular weight and histology, or uterus weight. Plasma concentrations of the three hormones studied, the testicular concentrations of protein, reduced glutathione and total cholesterol, and superoxide dismutase activity were all insignificantly affected by either the extract or the anthocyanins, except for a slight, but statistically significant, decrease in testicular protein concentration caused by the 15% aqueous extract when compared with controls. These results suggest that H. sabdariffa exerts no adverse effect on the male reproductive system. Consumption of H. sabdariffa aqueous extract inhibited the growth of the rats compared with the controls.

Hibiscus sabdariffa extractivities on cadmium—mediated alterations of human U937 cell viability and activation

Objective To investigate the effect of the anthocyanin-rich extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (H. sabdariffa) calyx on the viability of cadmium-treated U937 cells and cadmium-mediated activation of U937-derived macrophages. Methods The macrophage cell line U937 was treated with cadmium (0.1 μ mol/L) and later incubated with the anthocyanin-rich extract and cell viability was assessed via trypan blue staining. In the other experiment, the U937 cells were transformed to the macrophage form by treatment with phorbol 12, myristate 13, and acetate and incubated with cadmium (10 μ mol/L). The anthocyanin-rich extract was added to the cells later and subsequently, the supernatant of each cell culture was analysed for the production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), nitric oxide, and catalase activity as indices for the activation of macrophages. Results It revealed that the anthocynanin-rich extract significantly ( P < 0.05) increased the viability of the cells which was suppressed by cadmium when compared to quercetin dihydrate. The extract also reduced the cadmium-mediated production of the markers of macrophage-activation when compared to quercetin dihydrate. In both experiments, the activity of the extract was concentration-dependent ( P < 0.05). Conclusions The findings show that H. sabdariffa possesses significant immunoprotective effect. These corroborate the immense reported antioxidant and medicinal potential of the calyces of the plant which could be exploited for pharmacological and neutraceutical advantages.

Effect of Lactational Exposure to an Aqueous Extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa on Body Mass Index at Onset of Puberty in Female Sprague - Dawley Rats

The present study aimed to investigate whether or not maternal consumption of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) during lactation has any effect on the body weight and body mass index at onset of puberty in the female offspring. Eighteen in-bred virgin female Sprague-Dawley rats aged between 10-12 weeks and weighing 125±5.5g (mean±SEM) with two consecutive regular 4-day estrus cycle were used for this study. On the day of delivery, the dams and their pups were randomly assigned to one of three groups of 6 rats/group. One group had tap water (control), another had 0.6g-HSextract/100ml in their drinking water while the third group had 1.8g-HSextract/100ml in their drinking throughout lactation. Results showed that maternal consumption of aqueous extract of HS during lactation at the doses tested, delayed onset of puberty and elevated body weight and body mass index at onset of puberty in female offspring.

Gestational Outcome in Rats That Consumed Aqueous Extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa During Pregnancy

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of consumption of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) during pregnancy on fluid and food intake, weight gain during pregnancy, length of gestation, litter size and birth weight. Eighteen in-bred virgin female Sprague-Dawley rats aged between 1012 weeks and weighing 125 ± 5.5g (mean ± SEM) with two consecutive regular 4-day estrus cycle were used for this study. These rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups on gestational day one. Group A (control) were given tap water to drink throughout pregnancy, while groups B and C were given 0.6gextract/100ml and 1.8g-extract/100ml respectively to drink throughout pregnancy. All groups had normal rat chow and their respective drinking solution ad libitum. Mean fluid and food intake and total pregnancy weight gain were significantly reduced in the HS group. There was no significant difference in length of gestation among the various groups but there was a significant reduction in litter size and a significant increase in litter birth weight in HS groups (B and C) compared with control group (A). There were no apparent malformations at birth.

Aqueous Extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa Linnaeus Ameliorate Diabetic Nephropathy via Regulating Oxidative Status and Akt/Bad/14‐3‐3γ in an Experimental Animal Model

Several studies point out that oxidative stress maybe a major culprit in diabetic nephropathy. Aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HSE) has been demonstrated as having beneficial effects on anti-oxidation and lipid-lowering in experimental studies. This study aimed at investigating the effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin induced type 1 diabetic rats. Our results show that HSE is capable of reducing lipid peroxidation, increasing catalase and glutathione activities significantly in diabetic kidney, and decreasing the plasma levels of triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) value. In histological examination, HSE improves hyperglycemia-caused osmotic diuresis in renal proximal convoluted tubules (defined as hydropic change) in diabetic rats. The study also reveals that up-regulation of Akt/Bad/14-3-3γ and NF-κB-mediated transcription might be involved. In conclusion, our results show that HSE possesses the potential effects to ameliorate diabetic nephropathy via improving oxidative status and regulating Akt/Bad/14-3-3γ signaling.

AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA ALONE OR IN COMBINATION WITH VALSARTAN ATTENUATES RENOVASCULAR HYPERTENSION IN RATS

The present study was designed to investigate the possible modulative effects of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) either alone or in combination with valsartan on hypertensive male albino rats. Renovascular bypertension was induced by ligation of left renal artery for 4 weeks. HS in a dose of 250 mg/kg, valsartan in a dose of 5 mg/kg and their combination were given daily to hypertensive rats for 45 days as single oral daily dose. HS either alone or in combination with valsartan reduced blood pressure (BP) and heart rate of hypertensive rats. It also increased aortic glutathione content (GSH) and super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity. It improved lipid profile, decreased nitric oxide (NO) levels and improved the histopathological changes of aorta. Valsartan alone decreased BP more than HS, increased aortic GSH content, aortic SOD activity and NO serum level but failed to correct lipid profile. Based on this study, it can be concluded that HS alone and in combination with valsartan showed potent antihypertensive effects. This effect may be mediated via antioxidant, hypolipidemic effects and correction of lowered serum NO levels. Valsartan has more potent antihypertensive effect than HS but it was not able to correct dyslipidemia and histopathological changes associated with hypertension.