Staining Potentials of Indigenous Hibiscus sabdariffa Calyx, Lawsonia inermis Leaves and Vitex Doniana Stem Barks on Liver and Kidney Tissues

Abstract

Tissues acquired from the bodies of human or animals are transpicuous after tissue processing. Without tissue staining, the individual components of these tissues cannot be seen and appreciated. Haematoxylin extracted from the heartwood of a small tree, Haematoxylin campechlanum (Logwood) alongside synthetic eosin, constitutes the most commonly used Hematoxylin and Eosin staining method in histopathology laboratories. In view of the hazards associated with the use of synthetic stains and the escalating cost of foreign dyes, it has become essential to seek for natural, economic, easy to use, biodegradable, safe (to both human and environmental health) and more eco-friendly alternatives or supplements to the routine Haematoxylin and eosin stains. Thus, the present study is aimed at evaluating the staining potentials of indigenous Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx, Lawsonia inermis leaves and Vitec doniana stem barks on liver and kidney tissue slides. Ethanolic, aqueous, mordant and non mordant sohext extracts of the plant products were substituted for haematoxylin (as primary stains) in the modified haematoxylin and eosin methods. Results revealed that the three plant products imparted various intensities of pink or pale pink colouration on the cytoplasm of the constituent cells without any form of nuclear staining at a concentration of 100mg/ml.Observed acidic nature of all the three plant extracts was probably responsible for their failure to stain the nucleus in keeping with the general staining principle that only basic stains do clour the acidic nucleus. It is recommended that more studies be carried out to provide methods for increasing the pH of the extracts to the alkaline (basic) side of neutrality for effective nuclear staining.