Hibiscus sabdariffa mitigates hyperlipidemia, cardiac oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines in serum and cardiac tissue of adult female Wistar rats with fructose-induced metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that includes central obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and chronic low-grade inflammation, all of which together elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. MetS is more prevalent in women. A study involving 35 female Wistar rats investigated Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) extract?s therapeutic effects across five groups: normal control, untreated metabolic syndrome group, three experimental groups with fructose-induced metabolic syndrome receiving 100, 200, and 400 mg/ kg HS extract. HS extract at 400 mg/kg significantly improved serum lipid metabolism by reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. It also improved cardiovascular risk indicators, the Castelli risk indices I and II. HS extract demonstrated potent antioxidant effects in the heart by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and enhancing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and the concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH). It also had immunomodulatory effects, reducing inflammatory markers, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-?, and interferon (IF)-? in the serum and increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in both serum and heart. IF-? was increased significantly in the heart. In conclusion, HS extract, especially at higher doses, shows substantial therapeutic potential for managing metabolic syndrome by improving lipid profiles, enhancing cardiovascular health, boosting antioxidant defenses, and supporting immune function.