Project Materials

EFFECT OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA CALYX EXTRACT ON REPRODUCTIVE HORMONES IN NORMAL RATS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Because of its many health advantages, the tropical plant Hibiscus sabdariffa, also referred to as Roselle, has been utilised in traditional medicine for generations. The fleshy structure that surrounds the hibiscus flower, called the calyx, is very abundant in bioactive substances such organic acids, polyphenols, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. According to reports, these chemicals have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, and antioxidant qualities, which has led to a growing interest in Hibiscus sabdariffa among scientists.

A vital component of total health is reproductive health, and any disruptions in the complex balance of reproductive hormones can result in a number of problems and illnesses.

Hormones such as testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and oestradiol interact intricately to control the reproductive systems of both men and women. Fertility, sexual function, and general reproductive health can all be impacted by changes in these hormone levels.

There is an increasing need to investigate Hibiscus sabdariffa’s possible effects on reproductive hormones because of its widespread traditional use in folk medicine for a variety of reproductive conditions.

To evaluate the possible advantages or disadvantages of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract, it is crucial to comprehend how it affects the levels of reproductive hormones in healthy persons.

Rats and other animal models are useful for researching how natural substances affect reproductive health before conducting human studies.

The pharmacological characteristics of Hibiscus sabdariffa, such as its effects on blood pressure, lipid profile, liver function, and glucose metabolism, have been the subject of several investigations.

However, not much research has been done to explicitly examine how Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract affects normal rats’ reproductive hormones. By investigating the impact of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract on reproductive hormones in healthy rats, this study seeks to close this information gap.

Testosterone is one of the main hormones that affect male reproductive function; it is essential for sperm generation, desire, and general sexual health.

The pituitary gland secretes luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are crucial for controlling spermatogenesis and testosterone synthesis.

Oestradiol, a form of oestrogen, is essential for ovulation, the menstrual cycle, and the maintenance of pregnancy in females. Infertility or other reproductive diseases may result from changes in these hormones’ levels, which can interfere with regular reproductive processes.

Gaining knowledge about how Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract affects reproductive hormones can help one anticipate how it might be used in reproductive medicine. If the calyx extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa has positive effects on levels of reproductive hormones, it might be