Histopathological effects of oral and subcutaneous administration of Roselle Calyx (RC) extract on the liver and kidney of albino rats: A comparative study

Abstract

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L., family Malvaceae) is consumed in Nigeria as a refreshing drink and for  therapeutic purposes. This study was to examine the histopathological effects of H. sabdariffa calyx  extract on the liver and kidney of albino rats. The second goal was to compare the effects exerted on the  target organs via routes of administration (oral against subcutaneous) in rats. Sixty albino rats of both sexes and an average weight of 204.14±2.1g (Mean±SEM) were assigned by sex, age and weight to a control group (VA and VB) and test groups (IA to IVA and IB to IVB). They were administered with  varying concentrations (50 to 200mg/kg) for 40 days at 2 days intervals. On day 41, all rats were  sacrificed by anaesthetization. The liver and kidney were excised, grossed and fixed in Bouin's solution for 48hrs prior to histological processing. Sections were obtained at 3- 5microns and stained with Mayer's haematoxylin and eosin for light microscopy. No comparable changes were observed grossly and  histologically. However, effects on body weight of experimental animals showed significant reduction in Group IB to IVB respectively. In comparison, with the oral administration, empirical measurement showed negligible weight loss in the high dose treated animals (Group IIIA and IVA). Histopathology of the liver and kidney in this study showed no comparable effects exerted via the routes of  administration in albino rats by RC extract. This study suggests that oral administration remains the choice for consumption of RC (as pleasure drink or for therapeutic use).