EFFECTS OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L. TEA INTAKE ON ANTIOXIDANT RESPONSE AND BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE IN HEALTHY WISTAR RATS

Abstract

Introduction: Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. have therapeutic potential characteristics, rich in phytochemicals with anti-inflamatory, antibacterial and antioxidant effects. Objective: The study aims to evaluate daily consumption of hibiscus tea, in a concentration usually consumed by population, on biochemical parameters and antioxidant activity in healthy female adult Wistar rats. Methodology: The animals were divide in Control Group (CG), which received filtered water and commercial diet; and Hibiscus Group (HG), which received 15 mL/day of Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. flower tea (prepared 1g of flower/100mL of water), commercial diet and filtered water. The infusion of hibiscus flower for tea preparation was performed daily (ratio of 1.0g of dried flower to 100 mL of filtered boiled water), infused for 10 minutes, strained, and daily offered to animals (15 mL/day/animal) during 84 days. After 84 days of experimental protocol, animals were euthanized and evaluated serum biochemical parameters such urea, creatinine, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, total proteins, albumin, lipid profile and fasting glycemia. Analysis of antioxidant components was perfomed on hibiscus tea and serum antioxidant activity data were also analyzed by 2,2-difenil-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and total antioxidant activity by iron reduction (FRAP) methods. Results: Hibiscus tea has a high antioxidant potential, and reduce fasting glucose (p < 0.05), but in concentration offered this antioxidant capacity was not observed at serum level, without changes on body mass, water intake, food consumption, lipid profile, liver and kidney biomarkers. Conclusion: Hibiscus tea daily consumption, showed higher antioxidant potential and reduce fasting blood glucose, without toxic effects.