Influence ofHibiscus sabdariffaon the rhythmic alterations of liver markers in experimental hyperammonemic rats

Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. dried calyx ethanol extract on fat absorption-excretion, and body weight implication in rats

The effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Hs) calyx extract on fat absorption-excretion and body weight in rats, was investigated. Rats were fed with either a basal diet (SDC = Control diet) or the same diet supplemented with Hs extracts at 5%, 10% and 15% (SD₅, SD₁₀ and SD₁₅). Only SD₅ did not show significant increases in weight, food consumption and efficiency compared to SD_C. The opposite occurred in SD₁₅ group which showed a significant decrease for these three parameters. The SD₁₀ responses were similar to SD₁₅, with the exception of food consumption. In both SD_C and SD₅ groups, no body weight loss was observed; however, only in the latter group was there a significantly greater amount of fatty acids found in feces. A collateral effect emerging from the study is that components of Hs extract at the intermediate and greater concentrations used in this experiment could be considered possible antiobesity agents.