Sub-acute Toxicity Assessment of Orally Administered Aqueous Extract of Habiscus Sabdariffa on the Liver, Kidney and Intestine of Wistar Rats

Aim/Background: The study was conducted to evaluate histopathological changes in the kidney, liver and intestines following sub-acute oral administration of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract in albino rat. Methods: A controlled experimental design with a total number of 20 rats were divided into four groups (A, B, C, and D) of n= 5 each and administered varying doses (dosage) of the extract for 28 days. Tissue samples from the kidney, liver, and intestines were collected and subjected to histopathological studies. The entire research work was carried out between Septembers to December 2024. Results: The results revealed dose-dependent adverse effect on the tissue microscopy of the organs. Renal lesions observed include degeneration, necrosis, and glomerular atrophy. The liver exhibited necrosis, hepatocellular degeneration, and dilation of the central vein with hepatic vacuolation. While the intestines showed villus atrophy and necrosis with dose dependent severity. Conclusion: Prolonged administration/use of H. Sabdariffa aqueous extract especially in higher concentration may pose potential risk to organ health despites its acknowledged health benefit. This study recommends further investigation into its safety profile particularly for prolonged and high-dose use to consolidate on this findings consequently ensure its therapeutic safety.