Full Length Research Paper

Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa anthocyanins on 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-induced hematotoxicity in rabbits

A. Ologundudu¹*, A. O.Ologundudu¹, I. A. Ololade² and F. O. Obi³

¹Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, P. M. B. 001, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.

²Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, P. M. B. 001, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.

³Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: oluologundudu@yahoo.com. Tel.: +2348053447560 or +2348035129957.

Accepted 26 March, 2009

 Abstract

In this study, the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-induced biochemical and hematological changes in rabbits were examined under the administrative protocol of anthocyanin extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces. Blood levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and  malondialdehyde (MDA)  as well as red blood cell counts (RBC), white blood cell counts (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration were determined  as indices of alteration and protection. Relative to control, 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (2, 4-DNPH) treatment significantly decreased (P < 0.05) blood level of GSH  and significantly increased blood MDA level .It also significantly  (P < 0.05)  decreased RBC counts, PCV and Hb  but increased WBC counts. On the other hand treatment of rabbits with Hibiscus anthocyanin extract led to significant (P < 0.05) increase in blood GSH, RBC counts, PCV and Hb and a decrease in MDA and WBC counts. These findings indicate that anthocyanin extract from dried calyces of H. sabdariffa protects the blood against 2, 4-DNPH lipoperoxidative and hemolytic effects.

Key words: Rabbit, Hibiscus sabdariffa, anthocyanin extract, 2,4 dinitrophenylhydrazine, reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, complete blood count.