Effect of H.Sabdariffa Extract on Crude Oil Linked Biochemical Alterations in the Rabbit (Oryctalagus Cuniculus)

Fadairo, E. A and M. I Otite-Douglas

Industrial Safety and Environmental Technology Department, Petroleum Training Institute, PMB 20 Effurun, Delta state , Nigeria.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the ability of dried calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract (HSE)to change some selected  biochemical and gravimetric in crude oil exposed rabbit. A total of 28 rabbits were used for this study.  The rabbits in this study were divided into 4 groups of seven rabbits each. Group I rabbits received neither the crude oil fortified growers mash nor the extract. Group II rabbits received the extract only (100 mg extract/ kg body weight by gavage). Group III rabbits received the crude oil fortified growers mash only. While group IV rabbits received both the crude oil fortified mash and the extract. Each group was given the treatment once daily for 14days. The biochemical indices examined were plasma cholesterol levels, glucose and cortisol  while the gravimetric parameters evaluated were body weight gain, organ-body weight ratio, Relative to the control (group I), crude oil fed rabbits showed significant (P <0.05) reduction in body weight gain as well as reduction in heart and liver body weight ratios. Plasma total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, were significantly (P<0.05) elevated by crude oil fortified mash relative to group I, the control. Crude oil fortified marsh only fed rabbits showed statistically significant (P<0.05) increase in plasma cortisol concentration when compared to group I. Prior treatment of rabbits with Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract (HSE) before exposure to the crude oil fortified marsh, caused a significant (P<0.05) reduction in body weight gain relative to the control, extract only and crude oil fortified mash fed only groups. This study has demonstrated that crude oil linked  increases  organ body weight ratios as well as its associated increases in plasma total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, were reversed by Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract.

KEYWORDS: Biochemical alterations; crude oil fortified mash; H.sabdariffa extract; rabbit

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