The Protective effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa on Lung Damage in Rats due to Cigarette Smoke Exposure

Abstract

Background: Cigarette smoke consists of many free radicals that can reduce antioxidants in the body and further trigger oxidative stress. The state of oxidative stress can be minimized through antioxidant supplementation. Hibiscus sabdariffa (Rosella) is a herbal plant reported to be rich in antioxidants.Objective: To investigate the protective effect of Rosella extract on the microstructure of the lung and plasma Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of rats exposed to cigarette smoke.Methods: This research is an experimental study with a post-test-only group design. A total of 36 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups[L1] . Group K was given standard food and free access to water. Group K1, K2, P1, P2, and P3 were exposed to 4 cigarettes/day for 30 consecutive days. Before cigarette smoke exposure, each group received treatment with 1 mL saline (K1), vitamin E 0.2 g/kg b.w. (K2), and infused Rosella 0.25 g/kg b.w. (P1), 0.5 g/kg b.w. (P2), and 1 g/kg b.w. (P3). Plasma MDA levels were measured by the TBARS method. Statistical analysis was performed with one way ANOVA test and continued with a post hoc test.Results: Circulated MDA levels of groups K, K1, K2, P1, P2, and P3 were 1.84 ± 0.18 nmol/mL, 9.57 ± 0.27 nmol/mL, 2.24 ± 0.10 nmol/mL, 4.93 ± 0.31 nmol/mL 3.85 ± 0.55 nmol/mL, and 2.62 ± 0.37 nmol/mL respectively. Cigarette smoke exposure in group K showed significantly higher MDA levels (K versus K1; p < 0.001).  The administration of rosella infusion (P1, P2, P3) and or vitamin E supplementation (K2) can significantly suppress the plasma MDA levels due to cigarette smoke exposure ( p < 0.05). The administration of Rosella flower infusion 1 g/kg b.w. has an antioxidant effect similar to vitamin E supplementation 0.2  g/kg b.w. (p = 0.268).Conclusion: The administration of Rosella flower infusion could prevent lung damage from oxidative stress induced by cigarette smoke exposure. Keywords: Cigarette, Hibiscus sabdariffa,MDA, Oxidative stress.