TOXICOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF RENAL ANTIOXIDANT INDICES FOLLOWING SUB-ACUTE ADMINISTRATION OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA FLOWER (ZOBO) DECOCTION IN WISTAR RATS

Hibiscus sabdariffa (commonly known as Roselle or Zobo in Nigeria) is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Malvaceae. Its calyces, often mistaken for the flower itself, are widely used in the preparation of a popular herbal drink known as Zobo. These calyces are rich in bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which are responsible for the deep red coloration and numerous pharmacological properties of the plant (Da-Costa-Rocha et al., 2014). Traditionally, Hibiscus sabdariffa is used in many cultures for managing conditions such as hypertension, liver disorders, and fever due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties. Concerns about toxicity and safe dosage levels have also emerged, necessitating detailed toxicological studies, including sub-acute and chronic exposure assessments. Understanding its safety profile is essential for its development into standardized herbal formulations or pharmaceutical products. Recent pharmacological studies have provided supportive evidence for the medicinal potential of H. sabdariffa particularly its antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. For instance, methanolic extracts of the leaves have demonstrated significant free radical scavenging activity in vitro, suggesting a role in mitigating oxidative stress (Yakubu et al., 2016. As a result, H. sabdariffa remains a promising yet underexplored plant with potential for both therapeutic applications and scientific advancement (Akinmoladun et al., 2014).