Aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa enhances hematological parameters in Sprague Dawley rats

Abstract

Hemoglobin concentration (Hb), parked cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell count (RBC) were determined in adult SD rats weighing 100-170g following 4 weeks administration of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS).  Two groups of test animals were used for the experiment:  Group 1 rats, which acted as their own controls (n=5), were administered HS (500mg/kg/day) orally over a period of 4 weeks using an orogastric cannula.  Baseline hematological parameters were compared to post-treatment values.  Group 2 rats consisted of experimental rats (n=6), which received HS (500mg/kg/day) via orogastric administration for 4 weeks and untreated controls (n=6).  After 4 weeks of HS feeding, group 1 rats had significantly higher Hb (P<0.001) and PCV (P<0.001) levels compared to baseline values.  Post-treatment mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was higher than baseline values (P<0.05).  Similarly, Hb and PCV levels were considerably higher in treated group 2 rats after 4 weeks of HS feeding (P<0.05) respectively.  Treated rats had higher RBC counts (3.8±0.2x10⁹/1 vs. 3.1±1.9x10⁹/1; group 2; P<0.05).  The improvement in Hb and PCV was apparent after 2 weeks administration of the extract.  No significant difference in osmotic fragility of red blood cells was observed in treated rats compared to controls.  Liver histology was comparable in treated rats and controls.  The observed improvement in hematological parameters under HS treatment suggests that HS may be a useful adjunct in the management of clinical conditions associated with depressed hematological parameters.