The influence of aqueous extract of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyx on blood cholesterol level and body weight in rats

Abstract

Marsalina M, Samigun, Hardjanti ES. 2011. The influence of aqueous extract of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyx on blood cholesterol level and body weight in rats. Biofarmasi 9: 43-49. This study aimed to investigate the influence of aqueous extract of roselle calyx on blood cholesterol level and body weight in rats. This experimental research was arranged as a pre and post-test controlled group design. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats, with 3 months of age and 250 g in average weight, were used as an animal model. Those rats were grouped equally into five groups, i.e. negative control (aquadest), positive control (0.26 mg lovastatin/200 g body weight of rats/2 mL), the first dose of aqueous extract of roselle calyx (65 mg/200 g/2 mL), the second dose of aqueous extract of roselle calyx (130 mg/200 g/2 mL), and the third dose of aqueous extract of roselle calyx (195 mg/200 g/2 mL). The measurement of rat blood cholesterol level was conducted before and after treatment, while the rat body weight was measured once a week. The result of this study was analyzed by using one-way ANOVA statistical test. The one-way ANOVA statistical test showed no significant difference on reducing blood cholesterol level with p=0.327 (p>0.05) and body weight in rat with p=0.154, p=0.214, and p=0.938 (p>0.05). This study concluded that the aqueous extract of roselle calyx has no influence on lowering blood cholesterol level and body weight in rats.