Drying temperature affects the hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and antihypertensive potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx in rats induced with L-NAME

The effects of different drying temperatures on the hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and antihypertensive potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx was evaluated. The calyx were dried under different temperature conditions (− 58 °C, 30 °C, 40 °C, and 50 °C), and extracted with a solvent mixture of ethanol and water (1:4 % w/v). To induce hypertension, the rats were administered with 40 mg/kg body weight dose of N-nitro L-arginine methyl-ester (L-NAME), via the intra-gastric route. H. sabdariffa extract was administered orally, at varying doses (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) to the rats. Afterwards, the hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and antihypertensive potentials of the extracts were evaluated using standard validated methods. Induction with L-NAME significantly (p < 0.05) increased the total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels, significantly decreased the HDL levels; significantly (p < 0.05) increased the levels of LPO/MDA, H(2)O(2), and decreased GPx, and SOD activities; significantly (p < 0.05) increased the pressures (diastolic and systolic); significantly (p < 0.05) increased ACE and arginase activities, glucose level, and significantly decreased nitric oxide activity. Treatment with H. sabdariffa extract significantly (p < 0.05) reversed these trends in the hypertensive experimental rats. The hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and antihypertensive properties of the extract from the calyx of H. sabdariffa, which varies with the drying temperatures of the calyx, portends its potential as a curative agent in the treatment of hypertensive conditions, and other cardiovascular diseases.