Hibiscus-Trichrome Stain for Collagen, Muscle and Red Blood Cells in Skin Tissue

Abstract

The use of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) as natural histological stain has gained currency in recent times especially as a nuclear dye alternative to haematoxylin. This comparative experimental study explored the capability of Hibiscus mordanted with Ferric Chloride and counter stained with Ponceau 2R and Light Green as collagen fibres, muscle and red blood cells stain in comparison with standard Masson Trichrome (MT) used as parallel control in skin tissue. Microscopic study reveals satisfactory staining of the connective tissue elements by the new technique as compared with the standard method. The local availability of H. sabdariffa and ease of preparation is a justification for its use as a substitute for haematoxylin formulation in routine Masson Trichrome technique especially in dermato-architectural studies and diagnoses.