Effect of Calyx Extract of <i>Hibiscus sabdariffa</i> against Cadmium-Induced Liver Damage

Abstract

This study was conducted to elucidate the protective properties of calyx extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa against cadmium toxicity. A total of 16 male rats grouped into 4 were used for this study that lasted for 2 weeks. Group A animals received water and served as the control. Animals in groups B, C and D received cadmium sulfate 10mg/kg body weight orally, once daily throughout the study period. Group C and D animals additionally received calyx extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa twice daily orally at 2.5 and 4.6g/kg body weight respectively. Animals in group B were observed to have continuous loss of hair and were less active compared with the control. Animals in groups C and D were relatively active. Serum activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) showed significant increase (P<0.05) in group B compared with the control group; indicating the hepatotoxic effect of cadmium. Serum ALT, AST and ALP activities of animals in group C were 24.53±2.80, 53.25±9.46 and 234.60±35.63 respectively. Serum ALT, AST and ALP activities of animals in group D were respectively 22.09±2.05, 46.75±4.50 and 165.60±22.54. Even though the activities of the serum enzymes in groups C and D showed significant increase (P<0.05) as compared with the control, they are significantly lower (P<0.05) compared with group B. There is no significant difference (P<0.05) in serum bilirubin levels for groups C, D and B as compared with the control. The decrease in the activities of serum ALT, AST and ALP of groups C and D that received the calyx extract as compared with group B indicates the potential protective action of the extract against cadmium toxicity. The results thus indicate that the calyx extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa has potential protective properties against cadmium-induced liver damage.

Key Words: Hibiscus sabdariffa, sorrel, cadmium-sulphate, toxicity, liver damage