Hepatoprotective Effect of <i>Hibiscus sabdariffa</i> L. in Severe Paracetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity: High-Dose and Dose-Response Study

Liver disease remains a significant global health challenge, and despite progress in modern medicine, there is no pharmacological treatment that provides full protection or regeneration of liver tissue. Paracetamol, although widely used as an analgesic and antipyretic, is known to cause liver toxicity in overdose conditions. The objective of this research was to assess the hepatoprotective potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. extract in severe hepatotoxicity induced by high-dose paracetamol (2000 mg/kg BW), a dosage rarely explored in previous studies. The experimental rats were randomly divided into five distinct groups: a negative control, a positive control, and three treatment groups receiving Hibiscus sabdariffa L extract at 300, 550, and 1000 mg/kg BW, respectively. Histopathological analysis showed that the extract at 1000 mg/kg BW offered the highest level of protection, with minimal signs of hemorrhage, necrosis, or apoptosis, and improved hepatocellular morphology. The hepatoprotective effect of the extract may be attributed to the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly anthocyanins and polyphenols, which have been shown to enhance antioxidant enzyme activity and reduce oxidative stress. The present results reinforce the possibility that Hibiscus sabdariffa L. may serve as a promising natural therapeutic agent that could offer hepatoprotective effect against drug-induced liver injury.