Comparative Investigation of the Effects of the Commonly-consumed Aqueous Extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Zobo Drinks) on Body Weight, Glucose Level and Lipid Profile Using Normal Wistar Albino Rats
Chukwu, Charles Nnanna *
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, P.O. Box 5323, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria
Akaninwor, Joyce Oronne
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, P.O. Box 5323, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria
Ikewuchi, Catherine Chidinma
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, P.O. Box 5323, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: Investigating and comparing the effect of administration of different preparations of the commonly-consumed Hibiscus sabdariffa (Zobo) drinks on body weight, glucose level and lipid profile.
Study Design: Animal models (Wistar Albino Rats) with daily administration of the same concentration of different zobo drink samples.
Place and Duration of Study: University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria and its environs between November 2014 and February 2015.
Methodology: Thirty (30) Wistar albino rats were grouped into six (6) groups of five rats each. Group A served as the control and B was administered an unblended zobo drink. Groups C – E were administered locally produced zobo samples and F was a National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)-branded zobo drink. A concentration of 200 mg/kg body weight of the samples was administered orally to all the groups for 21 days. Changes in body weight, glucose level and lipid profile were analyzed and compared
Results: The percentage weight gains in groups B, C, E and F (4.93%, 6.68%, 0.55%, and 9.99%) were very low compared with the control (23.75%). The glucose level was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in groups B and C, significantly higher in group F and showed no significant difference in D and E when compared with the control. Total cholesterol level was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in groups C, E and F, while High density lipoprotein level was higher in all the groups but only significantly (P < 0.05) in group D when compared with the control. Triglyceride, Low density lipoprotein and Very low density lipoprotein levels showed no significant difference when compared with the control.
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the aqueous extract of different samples of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Zobo drink) possesses anti-obesity, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties.
Keywords: Hibiscus sabdariffa, zobo, body weight, glucose level, lipid profile