Hibiscus ameliorates salt-induced carotid intima-media thickness in albino rats

Year 2019, Volume: 13 Issue: 2, 92 - 97, 31.08.2019

Fidel Gwala , William Sibuor , Beda O. Olabu Anne N. Puleı Julius A. Ogeng’o

Abstract

Objectives: The carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a
known biomarker of clinical and subclinical cardiovascular events and
evaluation of therapeutic action. Excessive salt directly causes changes in the
common carotid intima and media layers and has been linked to hypertensive
disease resulting to changes on vascular structure. Hibiscus sabdariffa is a
traditional herbal drink with antihypertensive effects. The anatomical aspects
of its effects however, are largely unknown. This study therefore, investigated
the effects of hibiscus extract on CIMT in rats fed with a high-salt diet.

Methods: Young albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided
into three groups: (A) high-salt diet alone, (B) high-salt diet and Hibiscus
sabdariffa extract and (C) control group fed a normal diet for 8 weeks.
Specimens from carotid arteries of rats were fixated and processed for paraffin
embedding. Seven-micrometer thick sections were stained with Hematoxylin and
Eosin stain and examined under light microscopy. Morphometric measurements were
taken to determine the CIMT. 

Results: High-salt diet increased CIMT from 497.86 µm to
697.85 µm in 8 weeks. In Hibiscus sabdariffa extract fed rats, the CIMT
decreased to 542.85 µm (p<0.05) by week 8. 

Conclusion: Hibiscus sabdariffa extract ameliorates
salt-induced increase in CIMT in rats in a time-dependent manner. This implies
that Hibiscus sabdariffa products may have therapeutic value in salt-induced
vascular morbidity.

Keywords

carotid intima media thickness, hibiscus, salt diet

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