Study of the Effect of Aqueous Hibiscus Sabdariffa Linn Seed Extract ...

581 Okasha. M. A. M, Abubakar. M. S and Bako. I. G
Figure 3: Showing serum prolactin level of control, extract-treated and extract plus dopamine-treated groups
in lactating Albino rats.
4. Discussion
Human breast milk is widely accepted to be the optimal source of nutrition for the newborn infant,
containing all the proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, micronutrients and trace elements required for
growth, development and immune protection (Ostrom, 1990). The results of the present study reported
that, the aqueous seed extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa l. produced an appreciable increase in serum
prolactin level when compared to the control in a dose-dependent manner. The seed extract of H.
sabdariffa l. exhibited a lactogenic activity by increasing the serum prolactin level in lactating rats. The
lactogenic activity displayed by the largest dose of aqueous seed extract (1600mgkg -1 ) when compared
with that of metoclopramide (commercial hyperprolactinemia-inducing agent) showed no significant
statistical difference in serum prolactin level. This means that both of metoclopramide and the largest
extract dose have similar effect on serum prolactin level in lactating female rats as shown in table (2)
and fig. (2). This implies that the potency of the extract at largest dose is almost the same with
metoclopramide. Lactogenic effect of herbs and seed has been reported in other plants (Asparagus
racemosus, fennel seed, Grape sap, milk thistle and goat’s rue) (Garcia and Adams, 2005; Goyal et al.,
2003; Oketch-Rabah, 1998; Narendranath et al., 1986; Sholapurkar, 1986). The presence of steroidal
saponins and sapogenins constituents contributes in the lactogenic effect of Asparagus racemosus
(Goyal et al., 2003; Oketch-Rabah, 1998). In the same vein the presences of saponins, tannins,
alkaloids and flavonoids in Hibiscus sabdariffa l. may be responsible for the increase in serum
prolactin level. The mechanism through which Hibiscus sabdariffa l. exerted its effect might be by
dopaminergic influence, as dopamine receptor antagonist, since dopamine blocked the largest dose
effect as shown in table (3) and fig. (3). Besides, we could not find any previous studies on Hibiscus
sabdariffa l. extract to be tested as galactogogue which can contrast or confirm the results of our
studies in this field of research work. The plant extract has characterized by a very low degree of
toxicity. The acute toxicity LD 50 of Hibiscus sabdariffa l. seed extract in albino rats was found to be
above 5000 mgkg -1 according to the method of Lorke (1983). Sub-chronic toxicity studies of Hibiscus
sabdariffa l. extract have been done by accessing the liver enzymes and kidney metabolites as
indicators for liver and renal function tests. The liver enzymes and kidney metabolites were found to be
within the normal ranges when compared to control.