Hibiscus sabdariffa extract protects against cadmium-induced ovarian toxicity in adult Wistar rats.

Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) is native to tropical and subtropical regions, and its enrichment as a source of antioxidants and phytoestrogen has been documented. The present study investigated effects of HS on ovarian toxicity induced by cadmium. Adult female Wistar rats were grouped into 4 (n=5/group): Group A received HS (100 mg/kg), group B received cadmium sulphate (5 mg/kg), group C received cadmium sulphate and HS, and group D (control) received 1 ml of distilled water. Cadmium sulphate was administered for five days (i.p) followed by oral administration of HS for 28 days. Results showed distortion in the cytoarchitecture of the follicular cells in the ovary of cadmium-treated rats while there was mild or no distortion recorded for the ovary of the rats treated with cadmium and HS. There was also a significant reduction in the serum level of Luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormone of the rats treated with cadmium (group B) when compared with control rats. However, these alterations were attenuated when treated with HS. We concluded that HS has an ovarian protective effect in cadmium-treated adult female rats. Hence the present results suggest that HS extract would be a potential therapeutic agent in ovarian dysfunction.