Modulation of Oxidative Stress in Fatty Liver of Rat with Metabolic Syndrome by Hibiscus Sabdariffa

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with oxidative stress, both at early and advanced stages of the disease. Studies have confirmed the important role of medicinal plants or their active components in the prevention, treatment and lowering of risk factors in MS. Others authors have observed that polyphenols from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HSL) calyces increase cellular antioxidant capacity. We studied rat groups: Control (C), Control plus 30 g per liter of HSL calyces infusion (C+HSL 3%), 30% Sucrose-fed (MS) in their drinking water and 30% Sucrose fed plus HSL calyces infusion (MS+HSL) at the concentration of 7.5, 15 and 30 g per liter. The administration of HSL infusion to the MS rats increased the concentration of antioxidant capacity, catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidases activity enzymes in a dependent way, while the activity of glutathione peroxidase decreased in the liver. Indices of lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation decreased in the liver, and systolic blood pressure, body weight, intra-abdominal fat and serum levels of glycation, triglycerides, insulin and HOMA index also decreased. These results suggest that the treatment with HSL infusion may decrease oxidative stress in MS liver and that it could be regarded as an alternative treatment for MS.