Hepatoprotective effect of aqueous extract of hibiscus leaves in female albino rats treated with Tamoxifen

Background: Breast cancer is a perilous malignancy and a predominant source of mortality in women. The incidence of breast cancer is steadily rising due to risk factors such as age, menopause, obesity, hormone replacement treatment, familial history, as well as environmental and lifestyle influences

Objective: This study assesses the hepatoprotective efficacy of oral pretreatment with varying dosages of aqueous extract from the leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. against Tamoxifen induced hepatic damage

Material and Methods: It was used 30 female (Sprague Dawley) rats were divided into six groups, each group subjected to five individuals, Group I: The control group was administered normal saline, Group II: The negative control group was administered a single intraperitoneal dosage of Tamoxifen (10 mg/kg body weight) on the eighth day of the experimental period. Groups III and IV : co-treatment groups with 2 doses 250, 500 mg/kg BW of Aqueous extract leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa L.  Groups V and VI : co-treatment groups with  2 doses 250, 500 mg/kg BW of Aqueous extract leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa L in addition to a single intraperitoneal administration of Tamoxifen. Induction of Hepatoxicity started from day 8 intraperitonelly, up to day 21.

Results: Results showed the beneficial effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. leaves on Glutathium and Superoxide desmutase, along with the enhancement of antioxidant capacity in liver tissue, indicate that these leaves will mitigate oxidative stress induced by Tamoxifen and decrease Reactive oxygen species induced lipid peroxidation, as evidenced by the significantly reduced levels of Malondialdehyde in the liver tissue compared to the control group. Lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by Tamoxifen will ultimately result in cellular injury and membrane damage, compromising cellular integrity. Consequently, liver cell contents, particularly the enzymes ALT, AST, and ALP, will be released into the bloodstream from the compromised cells.The leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. maintain oxidative equilibrium within liver tissue, so averting hepatic damage, as seen by the considerable and dose-dependent decrease in blood ALT, AST, and ALP levels.

Conclusion: The effectiveness of the aqueous extract of the plant in inhibiting the activity of free radicals and neutralizing the oxidative stress induced by the drug Tamoxifen in the liver tissue and some functional parameters in female white rats.