Abstract

Previously, we demonstrated that Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaf contains various secondary metabolites including saponins, tannins and oxalates, which are known to possess documented pharmacological activities. In this present study, we investigated the effects of the leaf products on haematological indices, lipid profile and hepatic parameters using Wistar albino rat bioassay. Data suggested that though the haemoglobin counts, packed cell volume and red blood count were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by the leaf products, lipid profile tests results showed that the blood total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) of rats increased on feeding with high fatty diet (HFD). Administration of the leaf products dose-dependently resulted in significant decreases (P < 0.05) in the TC and LDL levels while the high-density lipoprotein level was further increased. Liver function test (LFT) showed no evidence of hepatotoxicity on the administration of the products as assayed liver enzymes and proteins did not vary between HFD administered animals, treated with or without leaf products. Comparatively, dried leaf products had more potent biological activities than the extracted leaf products. These findings suggested that H. rosa-sinensis leaves possess pharmacological potentials for treatment of metabolic syndrome related disease conditions.

Key words: Liver function test, hematology, lipid profile, hepatic parameters, cholesterolemia, metabolic diseases.