Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) calyx water extract ameliorates isoniazid and rifampicin induced liver and renal injuries in rats

Introduction: Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) calyces possess natural antioxidants that may provide therapeutic benefits. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Roselle calyx water extract against isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) induced liver and renal toxicities. Methods: Male Wistar rats (150-250 g) were designated into five groups: control group, INH- RIF group that was treated with INH-RIF at the toxic doses (50-100 mg/kg for 4 weeks, followed by 100-200 mg/kg for 2 weeks), and Roselle groups that were treated daily with Roselle extract at the doses 62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg, respectively prior to INH-RIF administration. Blood samples were withdrawn weekly for 6 weeks before removing rats’ livers and kidneys for tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and histopathological analysis. Results: The results showed all rats in the INH-RIF group experienced marked elevations of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, creatinine, and tissue MDA levels compared to the controls (P<0.05). In contrast, these biomarkers were maintained at near-normal levels in Roselle extract groups. Significant inflammation and cellular degeneration were found in the liver and renal tissues of the INH-RIF group, which were noticeably reduced with Roselle extract pre-treatment at the dose of 250 mg/kg. Conclusion: It is concluded that Roselle calyx extract can provide protection against liver and renal toxicities induced by INH-RIF administration in rats.