Abstract

A. Ologundudu *, A. O.Ologundudu , I. A. Ololade and F. O. Ob

In this study, the 2, 4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-induced biochemical and hematological changes in rabbits were examined under the administrative protocol of anthocyanin extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces. Blood levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as red blood cell counts (RBC), white blood cell counts (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration were determined as indices of alteration and protection. Relative to control, 2, 4- dinitrophenylhydrazine (2, 4-DNPH) treatment significantly decreased (P < 0.05) blood level of GSH and significantly increased blood MDA level .It also significantly (P < 0.05) decreased RBC counts, PCV and Hb but increased WBC counts. On the other hand treatment of rabbits with Hibiscus anthocyanin extract led to significant (P < 0.05) increase in blood GSH, RBC counts, PCV and Hb and a decrease in MDA and WBC counts. These findings indicate that anthocyanin extract from dried calyces of H. sabdariffa protects the blood against 2, 4-DNPH lipoperoxidative and hemolytic effects.