Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. protects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via regulation of oxidative stress markers and inflammation

Cerebral ischemia, also known as ischemic stroke, is the most common form of stroke characterized by impaired cerebral blood flow, leading to brain tissue. Ischemia is the second most frequent cause of mortality worldwide, resulting in a significant loss of quality of life. Hibiscus sabdariffa is a plant widely used as a food source and in traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases. This study evaluated the protective effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Adult male Wistar rats underwent cerebral ischemia induction via middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and received daily treatment with Hibiscus sabdariffa extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) or Edaravone (6 mg/kg, i.v.), a reference drug exhibiting radical scavenging properties, for a duration of 14 consecutive days. Subsequently, neurological, histopathological, and biochemical markers were assessed. The administration of Hibiscus sabdariffa markedly enhanced neurological impairments and reduced brain infarct after ischemic stroke. Hibiscus sabdariffa also mitigated oxidative stress by reducing lipid peroxidation levels of MDA and enhancing the antioxidant activities of GSH, SOD, and CAT in the brain tissues of rats subjected to I/R damage. Furthermore, Hibiscus sabdariffa demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in rats with I/R damage. These findings indicate that Hibiscus sabdariffa offers protection against cerebral ischemia injury in rats. Consequently, it has the potential to be employed as a therapeutic alternative for cerebral ischemic injuries.