A STUDY ON Hibiscus sabdariffa LINN CALYX EXTRACT AS A POSSIBLE ANTI-STRESS AGENT IN THE RABBIT AS ANIMAL MODEL

Abstract

The ability of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn calyx extract to act as anti-stress agent has been investigated by using its effect on stress-induced changes in serum cholesterol and cortisol levels in the rabbit as a measure of anti-stress action. Relative to zero time serum (zero time post stress) cholesterol value, the 120 minutes value of stressed rabbits treated with water was not significantly changed (67.40 ± 2.32 mg/dL (zero time); 46.80 ± 4.15 mg/dL (120 minutes). However, relative to zero time serum cholesterol value, the 120 minutes value of stressed rabbits treated with Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn calyx extract was significantly (P<0.05) reduced (62.40 ± 5.21 mg/dL (zero time); 27.60 ± 3.11 mg/dL (120 minutes). When compared to the zero time serum cortisol level, the 120 minutes cortisol value of rabbits stressed and treated with water was significantly (P<0.05) reduced (8.76 ± 2.11 ?g/dL (zero time); 5.02 ± 0.95 p,g/dL (120 minutes). For rabbits that were stressed and subsequently treated with Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn calyx extract, the zero time serum cortisol value was not significantly (P>0.05) different from the 120 minutes value, though the latter was lower in value (9.16 ± 1.76ug/dL (zero time); 5.90 ± 1.52 ?g/dL (120 minutes). These data suggest that Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn calyx extract protects against stress-induced changes in serum cholesterol and so possesses anti-stress ability. The apparent inability of the extract to produce significant reduction in serum cortisol status of stressed and extract treated rabbits is discussed.