Evaluation of the protective effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyx (Malvaceae) extract on arsenic induced genotoxicity in mice and analysis of its antioxidant properties

Abstract

The present study envisages the antigenotoxic property of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Roselle) calyx extracts that is presumably attributed to its antioxidant properties. The dried calyx extracts of Roselle were administered to male albino mice at doses of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg body weight for 7 days followed by a single dose of interperitoneal (i.p.) injection of sodium arsenite (2.5 mg/kg body weight) and the extent of DNA damage was analysed by widely used Comet assay. The results revealed that the calyx extract of Roselle inhibited the DNA damage induced by sodium arsenite in a dose dependent manner. The presence of phytochemical constituents such as polyphenols and flavonoids were ascribed to the observed changes. The antioxidant efficacy was substantiated by applying Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and 2, 2-di(4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays.