Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn extract possesses potential to ameliorate chlorpyriphos-induced haemotoxicity in rats

Abstract

Introduction: Several plants species are reported to have wealth of nutraceuticals that can be used to mitigate the detrimental effects of exposure to environmental contaminants. This study assessed the effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) on haematological changes from sub-chronic chlorpyriphos (CP) administration in male Wistar rats. Methods: Forty-two adult male Wistar rats divided into six groups: 1 (DW), II (S/oil), III (AEHS) and IV (CP) were dosed with distilled water (2 ml/kg), soya oil (2 ml/kg), high aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa (HAEHS) (500 mg/kg) only and chlorpyriphos (10.6 mg/kg ~1/8th of the LD50), respective-ly. Group V (LAEHS + CP) was pre-treated with a low dose of AEHS (250 mg/kg) before exposure to CP (10.6 mg/kg) while group VI (HAEHS + CP) rats were prior treated with a high dose of AEHS (500 mg/kg) and then exposed to CP (10.6 mg/kg). All groups were made up of seven rats each. The regi-mens were administered once daily via gavage for eleven weeks. Blood samples collected from each rat were analysed for packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte count, haemoglobin (Hb), leuco-cytes (total and absolute differential), platelets and erythrocytic indices. Erythrocyte lysate was also used to determine erythrocytes malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. Results: The study shows that prior treatment with H. sabdariffa mitigated the alterations in haemato-logical and lipoperoxidation changes induced by sub chronic CP exposure in Wistar rats. Significance: Hibiscus sabdariffa possess detoxifying and antidotal potential to CP and could be used if properly explored and refined.