# Histological and Biochemical Evaluation of the Kidney following Chronic Consumption ofHibiscus sabdariffa

Authors: U. U. Ukoha; S. I. Mbagwu; G. U. Ndukwe; C. Obiagboso
Journal: Advances in Biology
 (2015)

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## Abstract

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. has been used traditionally as herbal medicine and has been documented to have a broad range of therapeutic effects. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic administration of aqueous extract of flowers of Hibiscus sabdariffa on the histology of the kidney and some biochemical indices of renal function in male Wistar rats. Twenty (20) Wistar rats were randomly divided into four (4) groups of five rats each. The extract was administered orally in doses 200, 500, and 800 mg/kg body weight for 21 days. The kidney was harvested and processed histologically and blood samples were taken for biochemical assays. The histological results showed dose dependent pathological states and the biochemical analysis revealed a dose dependant variation in renal indices. These results suggest that chronic administration of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa may be toxic to the kidney.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Hibiscus sabdariffa(HS) (Linn) (family Malvaceae) is an annual dicotyledonous herbaceous shrub well known in Asia and African countries including Nigeria. Some of the components found inHibiscus sabdariffawhich accounts for its medicinal properties include anthocyanins, flavonoids, and protocatechuic acid (PCA) [1]. The nutritional composition of HS consists of protein, fat, carbohydrates, b-carotene, vitamin C, riboflavin, fibre, calcium, iron as well as phosphorus, and thiamine [2].Some studies reported effects of HS to include reduction in blood pressure [3] and lipid peroxidation [4], hepatoprotective effects in a range of models based on toxin-induced hepatitis [5, 6], antilithiatic effect [7], anti-anaemic effect [8].In Nigeria, a sweetened aqueous extract of HS (commonly known as zobo drink) is gradually gaining ground in the marketplace as preferred substitute for carbonated drinks as well as medicinal purposes without consideration of the body’s physiological state [3].Scientific evidences have demonstrated the nutritional and medicinal properties of HS, yet there is no guaranteed safety on its use. This is because reports on investigations carried out on medicinal plants show that they could cause damage to vital organs of the body even when considered safe for consumption [9].In the present study, we investigated the effects of chronic administration of aqueous extract of HS on the histology of the kidney and some biochemical indices of renal function.


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. Preparation ofHibiscus sabdariffaAqueous Extract

Dried samples ofHibiscus sabdariffa calyx were obtained from a popular market in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. The plant was identified and authenticated in the Department of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, where voucher specimen was deposited.Aqueous extract of the plant was prepared according to the method of Iyare and Adegoke [10]. Two hundred grams (200 g) of driedHibiscus sabdariffacalyx was boiled in 1000 mL of distilled water for 15 min. The boiled sample was allowed to cool and then filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to dry in an oven at 40°C to produce a dark red residue.


### 2.2. Experimental Animals

Healthy male Wistar rats (100–200 g) used in the study were obtained from the Animal House of the Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. They were kept in rat cages and maintained under standard laboratory conditions. The animals were acclimatized for two weeks, fed on rat pellets (Vital Feeds PLC, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria), and allowed free access to clean waterad libitum. The study was approved by the Animal Welfare and Ethics Committee of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria. All conditions of animal use Were adhered to as obtained from United States National Institute of Health (NIH) Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The animals were grouped into four designated as groups I–IV. Group I served as the control that received distilled water (5 mL/kg). Groups II, III, and IV were given 200, 500, and 800 mg/kg body weight of the extract, respectively. The animals were treated orally once a day for 21 days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation; the abdomen was carefully dissected and the kidney was excised processed using routine histological techniques (Figure 1).Figure 1
(a) Photomicrograph of the kidney sections of the control groups (fed only water and rat chow). Blue line marked A shows the renal cortex and red line marked B shows the renal medulla, with both showing normal histologic features of the kidney (×100) (H&E). (b) Photomicrograph of the kidney sections of the control group. Blue arrows marked P show normal proximal tubules. Red arrows marked A show arterioles. Green arrows marked G indicate the glomeruli (H&E; ×100).
(a)
(b)


### 2.3. Biochemical Analysis

Before the rats were sacrificed, blood was collected from the abdominal aorta for serum assay. The concentrations of creatinine, urea, and electrolytes were determined in the serum following standard procedures as described in the respective assay kits.


### 2.4. Statistical Analysis

All values were expressed as mean ± SEM. Differences between groups were evaluated by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey multiple comparison tests. Results were considered significant atP
<
0.05.


## 2.1. Preparation ofHibiscus sabdariffaAqueous Extract

Dried samples ofHibiscus sabdariffa calyx were obtained from a popular market in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. The plant was identified and authenticated in the Department of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, where voucher specimen was deposited.Aqueous extract of the plant was prepared according to the method of Iyare and Adegoke [10]. Two hundred grams (200 g) of driedHibiscus sabdariffacalyx was boiled in 1000 mL of distilled water for 15 min. The boiled sample was allowed to cool and then filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to dry in an oven at 40°C to produce a dark red residue.


## 2.2. Experimental Animals

Healthy male Wistar rats (100–200 g) used in the study were obtained from the Animal House of the Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. They were kept in rat cages and maintained under standard laboratory conditions. The animals were acclimatized for two weeks, fed on rat pellets (Vital Feeds PLC, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria), and allowed free access to clean waterad libitum. The study was approved by the Animal Welfare and Ethics Committee of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria. All conditions of animal use Were adhered to as obtained from United States National Institute of Health (NIH) Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The animals were grouped into four designated as groups I–IV. Group I served as the control that received distilled water (5 mL/kg). Groups II, III, and IV were given 200, 500, and 800 mg/kg body weight of the extract, respectively. The animals were treated orally once a day for 21 days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation; the abdomen was carefully dissected and the kidney was excised processed using routine histological techniques (Figure 1).Figure 1
(a) Photomicrograph of the kidney sections of the control groups (fed only water and rat chow). Blue line marked A shows the renal cortex and red line marked B shows the renal medulla, with both showing normal histologic features of the kidney (×100) (H&E). (b) Photomicrograph of the kidney sections of the control group. Blue arrows marked P show normal proximal tubules. Red arrows marked A show arterioles. Green arrows marked G indicate the glomeruli (H&E; ×100).
(a)
(b)


## 2.3. Biochemical Analysis

Before the rats were sacrificed, blood was collected from the abdominal aorta for serum assay. The concentrations of creatinine, urea, and electrolytes were determined in the serum following standard procedures as described in the respective assay kits.


## 2.4. Statistical Analysis

All values were expressed as mean ± SEM. Differences between groups were evaluated by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey multiple comparison tests. Results were considered significant atP
<
0.05.


## 3. Results

### 3.1. General and Physical Observation

All animals showed normal appearance and appetite. However increased water intake was observed in hand with increase in the dosage of extract administration across the groups. Increased urinary and fecal output were observed in group IV animals administered 800 mg/kg of the extract in comparison to other groups. At the end of the experiment, seemingly dose dependent significant increases in body weight were also observed in the experimental animals.


### 3.2. Histological Results

The results of the histological analysis revealed that the animals in the control group showed normal histological features compared to mild interstitial congestion and focal interstitial hemorrhage observed in group II (Figure2).Figure 2
Photomicrograph of kidney sections of test group II. Red arrows marked I show mild interstitial congestion. Blue arrow marked F indicates focal interstitial hemorrhage which indicates mild tissue damage (H&E; ×100).In group III congested blood vessels, focal glomerular hemorrhage and collecting tubules containing light yellow to golden-yellow pigmentation were observed (Figures3(a), 3(b), and 3(c)).Figure 3
(a) Photomicrograph of kidney section of test group III. B shows congested blood vessels. Section shows focal interstitial hemorrhage. There are focal areas showing collecting tubules containing light yellow to golden-yellow pigmentation (H&E; ×100). (b) Photomicrograph of kidney section of test group III. F shows focal interstitial hemorrhage (H&E; ×100). (c) Photomicrograph of kidney section of test group III. G indicates glomerular hemorrhage (H&E; ×100).
(a)
(b)
(c)A marked interstitial congestion, focal interstitial hemorrhage, and focal segmental glomeruli hemorrhage were observed in group IV (Figure4).Figure 4
Photomicrograph of the kidney section of test group IV. Section shows marked interstitial congestion, focal interstitial hemorrhage, and also focal segmental glomeruli hemorrhage (H&E; ×100).


### 3.3. Kidney Function Indices

Administration of aqueous extract ofHibiscus sabdariffafor 28 days with 200, 500, and 800 mg/kg body weight showed significant change in the serum levels of sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, and chloride ions as well as urea and creatinine concentrations compared with the control (Table 1).Table 1
Kidney function indices of oral administration of aqueous extracts ofH. sabdariffain male albino rats.
Group
Parameters (mean ±  standard deviation)
Urea (mg/dL)
Creatinine (mg/dL)
Na+ (mmol/L)
K+ (mmol/L)
Cl− (mmol/L)
H
C
O
3
- (mmol/L)
Group A (control)
2.8 ± 0.10
40.0  ± 1.00
145 ± 1.00
6.8 ± 0.00
102 ± 1.00
20.0 ± 1.00
Group B (test I)
3.0 ± 0.10∗
50.0 ± 0.50∗
150 ± 1.00∗
6.5 ± 0.10∗
109 ± 1.00∗
21.0 ± 1.00
Group C (test II)
3.1 ± 0.10∗
55.0 ± 1.00∗
145 ± 2.00
6.6 ± 0.10∗
110 ± 1.00∗
23.0 ± 1.00∗
Group D (test III)
3.7 ± 0.10∗
53.0 ± 1.00∗
150 ± 1.00∗
6.7 ± 0.10
108 ± 1.00∗
26 ± 1.00∗
∗
P
<
0.05.


## 3.1. General and Physical Observation

All animals showed normal appearance and appetite. However increased water intake was observed in hand with increase in the dosage of extract administration across the groups. Increased urinary and fecal output were observed in group IV animals administered 800 mg/kg of the extract in comparison to other groups. At the end of the experiment, seemingly dose dependent significant increases in body weight were also observed in the experimental animals.


## 3.2. Histological Results

The results of the histological analysis revealed that the animals in the control group showed normal histological features compared to mild interstitial congestion and focal interstitial hemorrhage observed in group II (Figure2).Figure 2
Photomicrograph of kidney sections of test group II. Red arrows marked I show mild interstitial congestion. Blue arrow marked F indicates focal interstitial hemorrhage which indicates mild tissue damage (H&E; ×100).In group III congested blood vessels, focal glomerular hemorrhage and collecting tubules containing light yellow to golden-yellow pigmentation were observed (Figures3(a), 3(b), and 3(c)).Figure 3
(a) Photomicrograph of kidney section of test group III. B shows congested blood vessels. Section shows focal interstitial hemorrhage. There are focal areas showing collecting tubules containing light yellow to golden-yellow pigmentation (H&E; ×100). (b) Photomicrograph of kidney section of test group III. F shows focal interstitial hemorrhage (H&E; ×100). (c) Photomicrograph of kidney section of test group III. G indicates glomerular hemorrhage (H&E; ×100).
(a)
(b)
(c)A marked interstitial congestion, focal interstitial hemorrhage, and focal segmental glomeruli hemorrhage were observed in group IV (Figure4).Figure 4
Photomicrograph of the kidney section of test group IV. Section shows marked interstitial congestion, focal interstitial hemorrhage, and also focal segmental glomeruli hemorrhage (H&E; ×100).


## 3.3. Kidney Function Indices

Administration of aqueous extract ofHibiscus sabdariffafor 28 days with 200, 500, and 800 mg/kg body weight showed significant change in the serum levels of sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, and chloride ions as well as urea and creatinine concentrations compared with the control (Table 1).Table 1
Kidney function indices of oral administration of aqueous extracts ofH. sabdariffain male albino rats.
Group
Parameters (mean ±  standard deviation)
Urea (mg/dL)
Creatinine (mg/dL)
Na+ (mmol/L)
K+ (mmol/L)
Cl− (mmol/L)
H
C
O
3
- (mmol/L)
Group A (control)
2.8 ± 0.10
40.0  ± 1.00
145 ± 1.00
6.8 ± 0.00
102 ± 1.00
20.0 ± 1.00
Group B (test I)
3.0 ± 0.10∗
50.0 ± 0.50∗
150 ± 1.00∗
6.5 ± 0.10∗
109 ± 1.00∗
21.0 ± 1.00
Group C (test II)
3.1 ± 0.10∗
55.0 ± 1.00∗
145 ± 2.00
6.6 ± 0.10∗
110 ± 1.00∗
23.0 ± 1.00∗
Group D (test III)
3.7 ± 0.10∗
53.0 ± 1.00∗
150 ± 1.00∗
6.7 ± 0.10
108 ± 1.00∗
26 ± 1.00∗
∗
P
<
0.05.


## 4. Discussion

The kidney’s functional integrity is to maintain total body homeostasis through its role in the excretion of metabolic wastes and in regulation of intracellular fluid volume, electrolyte composition, and acid-base balance [11]. This therefore implies that any harmful effect on body metabolism could be suggestive of toxic insult to the kidney [12].The results from our study indicate that aqueous extract ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linn popularly known as “zobo” drink in our community has adverse effects on the body weight of the experimental animals. This is in contrast to the study by Ochani and D’mello [13], in which significant increase in the body weights of the experimental animals was observed in a pattern suggesting the influence of the administered dosage. This observation therefore questions the reported positive effect ofHibiscus sabdariffaon obesity.The histological observations of kidney sections from the experimental animals demonstrated dose dependent pathological states such as congestion of blood vessels, focal interstitial hemorrhage, and glomerular hemorrhages.The figures illustrate that there are mild indications of renal tissue distortion suggestive of tissue damage in the test groups, whereas the histological appearance of the control group is consistent with normal histology. It can also be inferred that the activity ofHibiscus sabdariffa extract on the kidney is dose dependent considering the increase in the level of mild tissue distortion with increase in the extract administration. Focal interstitial hemorrhage was entirely absent in the sections of the control group. However, the focal interstitial hemorrhage is seen to increase across group with increase in the dosage of the administration of the extract. Glomerular hemorrhage is entirely absent in the control group and test group II and it is seen to occur mildly in test group III but worsens in test group IV. These features demonstrate an extent of renal damage which is not in concert with the results obtained from a similar study by Kolawole et al. [14].Assessing the levels of excretory metabolites like electrolyte, urea, and creatinine can be used to evaluate renal function [15, 16]. Creatinine is hydrolysed from creatine phosphate and has been reported to be a marker of renal function. Urea is a waste product of protein metabolism and can be used as a test of renal function [17]. The observed increase in urea and creatinine level shows significant change (P
<
0.05) compared to control group. This suggests that renal function was compromised following the administration of the extract. These results agreed with the findings of Orisakwe et al. [11] and Abubakar et al. [12].It has been reported that aqueous extract ofHibiscus sabdariffa is rich in sodium ions (Na+), implying that its oral consumption may increase plasma sodium (Na+) levels. A mechanism for the sodium increase could be due to the action of the flavonoid content ofHibiscus sabdariffa [4].There was a slight significant increase in sodium (Na+) level comparable to control group. This suggests a slight effect on the sodium pump that maintains the constancy of the extracellular concentration of potassium. The increase in plasma Na+ observed may have resulted from a state of water deprivation. This is in agreement with the reports of earlier workers. For example, Mojiminiyi et al. [18], Ross and Desai [19], and Iyare and Adegoke [3] in their investigation of the diuretic property of HS observed that rats that consumed HS had elevated plasma Na+. They explained that water deprivation causes hypernatremia. Adigun et al. [20] reported that aqueous extract of HS has also been shown to be rich in Na+ implying that rats consuming HS may be increasing their oral Na+ load and thus consequently increased plasma Na+.The serum potassium (K+) level was decreased. This observation is in concert with studies by Abubakar et al. [12] and Emelike and Dapper [4]. The mechanism for this is not clear.The use of serum chloride and bicarbonate ions to assess renal functions cannot be overemphasized. Therefore the significant increase in the serum chloride and bicarbonate ions following administration of aqueous extract ofH. sabdariffaat various doses could be indicative of tubular and glomerular dysfunction. Our observation is contrary to the study by Emelike and Dapper [4].In general, our findings do not agree with the report by Bushra Abbas [21] but are in concert with previous studies of Kirdpon et al. [22], Orisakwe et al. [11], and Abubakar et al. [12].


## 5. Conclusion

The nephrotoxic potential ofH. sabdariffa calyx was tested in Wistar rats after oral administration. From our findings, we suggest that chronic consumption of aqueous extract ofHibiscus sabdariffa might be toxic to the kidney by causing a distortion in the integrity of the kidney cytoarchitecture and inducing remarkable increase in serum urea, creatinine, and certain electrolytes which could interfere with normal kidney function.



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