ANTI-ANEMIC AND HISTOLOGY PROPERTIES OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA CALYX SUPPLEMENTED DIET IN PHENYLHYDRAZINE-INDUCED ANEMIA IN RATS

Anemia is induced by oxidative stress and hemolysis, remains a major health concern. Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx is rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols with established antioxidant and hematopoietic potentials. This study investigated the anti-anemic and hepatoprotective effects of dietary Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx supplementation in phenylhydrazine-induced anemia in rats. Twenty-four adults male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 4). Group I served as normal control; Group II received phenylhydrazine (PHZ; 12 mg/kg) to induce anemia; Groups III and IV were anemic rats fed 2% and 5% Hibicus sabdariffa calyx supplemented diets respectively, Treatments lasted six weeks post-induction. Hematological parameters were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer, while liver and kidney tissues were examined histologically using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Penylhydrazine administration significantly (p < 0.05) reduced red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume compared to control. Supplementation with Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx significantly and dose-dependently improved these indices toward normal values. White blood cell and platelet counts were also normalized in treated groups. Histological examination revealed hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis in phenylhydrazine group, which were markedly ameliorated by Hibiscus sabdariffa supplementation, especially at 5% inclusion level, showing preserved hepatic architecture comparable to controls.