Abstract

The leaves of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn (Family Malvaceae) have been used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of various human diseases such as aphrodisiac, hypertension, wound healing, diabetes mellitus and cancer. In this present study, the effect of 200 mg/kg of the aqueous leaf extract on the renal function of hypertensive rats was investigated. The administration of H. rosa-sinensis leaves extract shows a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the Na⁺ level of normotensive rats, thus it may interfere with the normal function of the kidney and hence produce increased salt retention. These results had shown that although H. rosa-sinensisleave extract reduced blood pressure; the integrity of the kidney may be compromised when this plant is used for the treatment of hypertension.

Key words: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, hypertension, rats, leaves, blood pressure, kidney.