Effect of orijin bitters, aqueous extracts of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyx and ginger (Zingiber officinale roscoe) rhizome on the cerebellum of adult wistar rats

Orijin bitters is an herbal alcoholic drink, made up of numerous groups of chemical compounds extracted from herbs and roots. Hibiscus sabdariffa and Zingiber officinale plants are known for their antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This research examined how Orijin bitters, and aqueous extracts of roselle calyx and ginger rhizome affected the cerebellum of rats. Thirty adult wistar rats (80-205g) were divided into six groups, five rats in each. Group 1 was the control group and group 2 received only orijin bitters (70cl/70kg/bw), group 3 orijin bitters and Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx aqueous extract (200mg/kg/bw), group 4 orijin bitters and Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx aqueous extract (500mg/kg/bw), group 5 orijin bitters and Zingiber officinale rhizome aqueous extract (200mg/kg/bw) and group 6 orijin bitters and Zingiber officinale rhizome aqueous extract (500mg/kg/bw). After 21 days, the rats’ cerebellums were harvested and analyzed biochemically and histologically. Result showed in non-significant decrease in latency time after administration of orijin bitters, aqueous extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces and Zingiber officinale rhizome, reduced activity of malondialdehyde in groups other than group 2, increase in antioxidant activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione in all groups other than group 2. There was presence of alteration, degeneration and vacuolation in the purkinje cells in groups 2, 3 and 4 and regeneration of the cells in groups 5 and 6. In conclusion, Orijin bitters may compromise cerebellar integrity and Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces and Zingiber officinale roscoe rhizome due to their antioxidants properties may mitigate the effects of Orijin bitters.