Abstract

Aim: Purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of oral gavage of aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa in Wistar Albino rats administered for 28 days.

Methods and Materials: Twenty rats were grouped into four groups (A, B, C, and D), each containing five rats. Group A served as control, while groups B, C, and D were treatment groups administered graded doses (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg, respectively) of the extract orally for 28 days. Blood samples were collected weekly and analyzed according to standard laboratory procedures. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27 and presented as Mean ± SEM. Methods of analysis included one-way ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT).

Results: The results revealed a significant dose- and time-dependent increase (p < 0.05) in haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, red blood cell count, and white blood cell count among the treated groups compared to the control. The 800 mg/kg dose produced the most pronounced effects, with haemoglobin rising from 13.64 g/dL to 18.20 g/dL and WBC count from 6720 to 7420 ×10³/µL by Week 4.

Conclusions: It was concluded that the extract possesses both erythropoietic and immunostimulatory properties. Based on these findings, it is recommended that Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract be further investigated for its potential use as a natural supplement in the dietary management of anemia and immune-related disorders. However, controlled human studies are necessary to determine safe and effective dosage levels before clinical application.

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