Hibiscus sabdariffa L. extract ameliorates the diabetic late complications: Cardioprotective and nephroprotective effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Introduction: Hibiscus sabdariffa L. belongs to family Malvaceae and is used worldwide as a food, local medicine, and as a home remedy for various illnesses. Conventionally, the dried calyx is used as a diuretic, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, galactagogue, and for cardiovascular complications. Information concerning its protective effect against late diabetic complications is scarce. Hence, the present investigation is aimed to evaluate cardioprotective and nephroprotective activity of ethanolic extract (HSE) and aqueous extract (HSA) of H. sabdariffa L. on late complications associated with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats. Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by single intravenous injection of STZ 45 mg/kg. Rats showing serum glucose (SG) level >200 mg/dl were included in the study and treated with HSE and HSA (200 and 400 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. At the end of the study, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, insulin tolerance test, blood glucose, lipid profiles, liver antioxidant levels, and cardiac and renal parameters were estimated. Results: Treatment with HSE and HSA resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), very-LDL-c, urea, and creatinine accompanied by an increase in total protein, albumin, and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in diabetic rats. Moreover, the cardiac markers such as creatinine kinase-MB and lactate dehydrogenase were also increased. HSE and HSA improved glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, and decreased oxidative stress by improving endogenous antioxidant levels. Conclusion: The present investigation concludes that HSE and HSA ameliorate the cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity associated with late complications of diabetes mellitus in STZ-induced diabetic rats.