Effect of Orijin Bitters, Aqueous Extracts of Hibiscus Sabdariffa Calyx and Zingiber Officinale Roscoe Rhizome on the Liver of adult wistar rats

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Orijin bitters, Hibiscus sabdariffa and Zingiber officinale roscoe are consumed for medicinal properties and their effects were evaluated in this study on adult wistar rats’ liver. 

METHODOLOGY: Thirty rats were divided into 6 groups, 5 in each. Group 1 received distilled water, group 2, 70cl/70kg/bw orijin bitters, group 3 orijin bitters and 200mg/kg/bw Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx aqueous extract, group 4 orijin bitters and 500mg/kg/bw Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx aqueous extract, group 5 orijin bitters and 200mg/kg/bw officinale rhizome aqueous extract, group 6 orijin bitters and 500mg/kg/bw Zingiber officinale rhizome aqueous extract. After administration, the rats were sacrificed and the liver harvested for biochemical and histological analysis. 

RESULTS: Aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphate increased in group 2 while alanine transaminase decreased. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase increased in most treatment groups while alkaline phosphate decreased. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Orijin bitters distorted the liver tissue while Hibiscus sabdariffa and Zingiber officinale roscoe extracts resulted in restoration. 

CONCLUSION: Orijin bitters may possess toxicity to the liver. Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx and Zingiber officinale roscoe rhizome due to antioxidants present ameliorated the effect.