Post-treatment with Hibiscus Sabdariffa Linn calyx extract enhances liver function following chronic paracetamol exposure in mice.

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of administration of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn calyx on liver function following chronic exposure to paracetamol. Four (4) groups were involved: control, extract only, paracetamol only and post-treatment (drug at zero time and extract 8h later). There were 5 mice in each group. Paracetamol and Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn calyx extract (HSCE) were administered orally 500 mg/kg body weight and 250 mg/kg body weight respectively, on a daily basis for 16 weeks. At the end of the experiment, all the animals were sacrificed. Activities of liver marker enzymes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), and levels of bilirubin, albumin, total protein and total cholesterol were assessed in serum. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and reduced glutathione level) were estimated in liver homogenate. Histopathological examinations of liver sections were also carried out on experimental mice. Paracetamol toxicity was evidenced by a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in biochemical indices of liver function with decreased protein content. Post-treatment with the extract was seen to mitigate the changes prompted by exposure to paracetamol; this was also confirmed by histopathological studies. The observed amelioration by the extract may not be unrelated to the presence of phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, flavonols and protocatechuic acid (PCA), which has been widely reported.