Hibiscus sabdariffa mitigates hyperlipidemia, cardiac oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines in serum and cardiac tissue of adult female Wistar rats with fructose-induced metabolic syndrome
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2298/ABS250608020KKeywords:
Metabolic syndrome, Lipid metabolism, Antioxidant activity, Cytokines, Hibiscus sabdariffaAbstract
Paper description:
- Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) exhibits a therapeutic potential in metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors affecting cardiovascular health.
- This study included 35 female Wistar rats divided into five groups as follows: normal control, an untreated metabolic syndrome group, three treatment groups receiving different doses of HS extract.
- HS extract reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma, and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor, showing novel immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects in hyperlipidemia.
- These findings offer initial insights into the combined cardiovascular, immune, and neuroprotective benefits of HS extract
Abstract: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that includes central obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and chronic low-grade inflammation, all of which together elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. MetS is more prevalent in women. A study involving 35 female Wistar rats investigated Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) extract’s therapeutic effects across five groups: normal control, untreated metabolic syndrome group, three experimental groups with fructose-induced metabolic syndrome receiving 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg HS extract. HS extract at 400 mg/kg significantly improved serum lipid metabolism by reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. It also improved cardiovascular risk indicators, the Castelli risk indices I and II. HS extract demonstrated potent antioxidant effects in the heart by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and enhancing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and the concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH). It also had immunomodulatory effects, reducing inflammatory markers, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IF)-γ in the serum and increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in both serum and heart. IF-γ was increased significantly in the heart. In conclusion, HS extract, especially at higher doses, shows substantial therapeutic potential for managing metabolic syndrome by improving lipid profiles, enhancing cardiovascular health, boosting antioxidant defenses, and supporting immune function.
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