Evaluate the Effect of Ethanol Fraction of Iraqi Hibiscus tiliaceus L. Leaves Extract on Mitotic Index and Micronucleus Frequency in Comparison with Metformin in Male Rats

Hibiscus tiliaceus L. is a member of the Malvaceae family. It has been documented to exhibit antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, anthelmintic, and anticancer properties. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of ethanol leaf extract from Hibiscus tiliaceus L. on methotrexate-induced chromosomal aberrations, specifically the Mitotic Index and Micronucleus Frequency, in spleen and bone marrow cells. The comparison was made with metformin. The study involves the categorization of the animals into five groups, with each group consisting of six rats. The rats are then subjected to the following treatments: Group I (negative control) consisted of six rats that were administered a daily oral dose of 1ml/kg/day of distilled water for seven consecutive days. Group II (positive control): Six rats were administered a solitary dose of 20mg/kg of methotrexate on the initial day. Group III consisted of six rats who were administered a daily oral dose of 100 mg/kg of metformin for a period of seven consecutive days. Group IV consisted of six rats who were administered a daily oral dose of 250 mg/kg of the ethanol fraction for seven consecutive days. In Group V, six rats were administered a daily oral dose of 500 mg/kg of the ethanol fraction for seven consecutive days. The results indicate that the ethanol extract of Hibiscus tiliaceus leaves, at both doses, significantly reduced the mitotic index in bone marrow cells and spleen cells compared to the negative control group. Additionally, it significantly increased the appearance of micronuclei in bone marrow cells. In conclusion, the ethanol extract of Hibiscus tiliaceus leaves exhibited a strong effect on the mitotic index and micronucleus appearance in bone marrow and spleen cells of rats.