Phytochemicals, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of methanol leaf extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa in alloxan induced diabetic rats

This study investigates the phytochemicals, antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activities of Hibiscus sabdariffa methanol leaves extract in alloxan induced diabetic wistar rat by administering graded oral doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) for 21 days. Results revealed that the methanol leaf extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa contains 51.90±3.89 mg/100g of tannins, 102.56±6.89 mg/100g of saponins, 54.78±3.89 mg/100g of alkaloids, 67.45±3.87 mg/100g of flavonoids and 121.54±5.67 mg/100g of phenols. The extract showed dosed dependent significant (p<0.05) antidiabetic activity with significant improvement in body weight. The extract also resulted in significant (p<0.05) reduction serum cholesterol, triglycerides. LDL-cholesterol level and increase HDL-cholesterol when compared with untreated control. In conclusion, this study demonstrates, for the first time, that Hibiscus sabdariffa is effective in inhibiting hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in diabetes condition.