The Use of Hibiscus Sabdariffa Extract as Nuclear Stain for Skin Morphology and Connective Tissue with Eosin Counterstain

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the suitability of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract solution as nuclear stain substitute for haematoxylin in the demonstration of skin morphology and connective tissue. In this study, 10% neutral buffered formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue blocks of skin were retrieved from the tissue block archive of the Pathology Department, Unilorin Teaching Hospital. Two blocks were randomly selected. Serial sections were cut at 3µ from each and stained with 5% concentration of Hibiscus sabdariffa solution and H&E as parallel control. Results show distinct bluish purple- nuclear staining and light-pink cytoplasmic appearance comparable with H&E. Hibiscus sabdarifa extract solution is a suitable nuclear stain substitute to H&E for skin morphology and connective tissue.