Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. improves the aortic damage in diabetic rats by acting as antioxidant

Abstract

Chronic hyperglycaemia produces excessive free radicals which could lead to diabetic complications. Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. is proven to have high antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic properties. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of H. sabdariffa polyphenol-rich extract (HPE) in the aorta of diabetic rats. Twenty-four male rats were randomly divided into three groups, i.e. non-diabetes mellitus (NDM), diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetes mellitus with HPE (DM + HPE). HPE at 100 mg/kg or saline as control vehicle were administered daily through oral gavage for 28 days prior to sacrification and the aorta was isolated for further analysis. The glucose level in DM + HPE was significantly lower compared to DM, indicating its potential as an antidiabetic agent. Conversely, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the level of glutathione (GSH) in DM + HPE were significantly higher than DM. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl were significantly lower in DM + HPE than DM. Lipid profile analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-C in DM + HPE compared to DM, however, HDL-C was significantly increased. Microscopic observation showed a disrupted morphology of the thoracic aorta in diabetic rats. HPE may exert protective effects by acting as an antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant agent to the thoracic aorta in diabetic rats.