Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx Extract on Some Biochemical and Histological Parameters of Wistar Rats with Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Liver Damage

Abstract

Hibiscus sabdariffa (Malvacea) calyx extract is one of such important herbal hepatoprotective drug; it has a wide range of pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacity. The present study was carried out to determine the hepatoprotective effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract on carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) induced liver damage. Experimental rats were divided into seven groups. Group I: served as the control rats, group II: was administered with CCl 4 only. Group III and IV: were administered with 250 and 500mg/kg extract respectively. Group V: was administered with CCl 4 + standard drug. Group VI and VII: were administered with 250 and 500mg/kg extract only. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, total cholesterol (TC) and triacylglycerol (TG) were measured. The liver tissues of different groups were examined. Oral administration of the extract following administration of CCl 4 significantly reduced the damage as determined by the activities of serum AST, ALT and ALP. Also, treatment with the extract shows a significant decrease in the level of TC and TG. Histopathological analysis of the liver tissues of CCl 4 group shows the presence of severe vacuolation and inflammation. Treatment with the extract promotes healing of the damage in the liver. Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract was effective in the treatment of liver damage induced by CCl 4 .