Effects of Hibiscus Sabdariffa Calyces Aqueous Extract on Serum Cholesterol , Body Weight and Liver Biomarkers of Rattus Novergicus

The present study investigated the effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx aqueous extract on the serum cholesterol, body weight and liver marker enzymes activities of normal albino rats. The aqueous extract was orally administered (100 – 800 mg/kg body weight) for 28 days to normal male albino rats. Total cholesterol, body weight, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were measured. Hibiscus sabdariffa administration significantly reduced serum cholesterol and body weight in a dose and duration dependent pattern. AST, ALP and ALT levels were significantly elevated in a dose and duration dependent pattern. The significant increase in the levels of the liver enzymes tends to suggest dysfunction in the coordinating of the liver activity. The extract ability to lower the total cholesterol level and body weight suggests its usefulness as a hypocholesterolemic and anti-obesity agent. KeywordHibiscus sabdariffa, aqueous extract, liver marker enzymes, serum cholesterol, body weight, albino rats