Chronic administration of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa enhances Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activities of rat heart

Abstract The effect of oral administration of an aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa. Linn petals on Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activities of rat heart have been investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats. The extract was administered orally in doses of 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Results showed that Hibiscus sabdariffa. treatment led to significant increases (p < 0.001) of Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase at both doses. Cardiac weight index of rats treated with H. sabdariffa. at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight was significantly reduced (p < 0.01) compared with those of the control and rats treated with H. sabdariffa. at a lower dose. Administration of the extract at both doses did not show any signs of cardiotoxicity and hepatotoxicity as judged by biochemical "marker" enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase) activities in plasma, heart, and liver of rats. These results demonstrate that aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa. enhances cardiac Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activities and supports the public belief that H. sabdariffa. may be a safe cardioprotective agent.