Histological and antioxidant evaluation of an aqueous extract of hibiscus on the heart of cadmium-induced Wistar rats

Valarie, Nachuma Cynthia and Luambia, Isabel Namfukwe and Ng’andu, Albertina and Mumba, Raymond and Muyunda, Muyunda and Mutalife, Fridah and Yusuf, Uthman Ademola (2025) Histological and antioxidant evaluation of an aqueous extract of hibiscus on the heart of cadmium-induced Wistar rats. Open Access Research Journal of Science and Technology, 14 (2). 075-084. ISSN 2782-9960

This study investigated the protective effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract against cadmium-induced cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats. Twenty-four rats (150–200 g) were divided into four groups (n = 6): Group A (control), Group B (cadmium only), Group C (cadmium + hibiscus), and Group D (hibiscus only). Groups B and C received 14 mg/kg of cadmium via intraperitoneal injection, while Groups A and D were not injected with cadmium. After 72 hours, Groups C and D were administered 100 mg/kg of hibiscus extract orally for four weeks, while Groups A and B received saline as a control. Group B exhibited a significant reduction in body and relative heart weights (p < 0.05) compared to the control group, while Group C mitigated these effects, showing no significant difference (p > 0.05). Histological analysis revealed disrupted cardiomyocytes in Group B, whereas Groups A, C, and D maintained a normal cardiac structure. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining displayed abnormal reactivity in cadmium-exposed rats, while the hibiscus-treated groups exhibited normal PAS patterns. Additionally, depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was observed in the cadmium-only group, whereas the cadmium + hibiscus group showed levels comparable to the control group. In conclusion, the extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa attenuated cadmium-induced cardiotoxicity, preserving heart weight, structure, and biochemical integrity. These findings suggest its potential as a protective agent against heavy metal toxicity.