Combination of aerobic exercise and Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. increased nitric oxide in rats
Abstract: Hypertension and
myocardial infarction account for the high rate of mortality globally. Hibiscus
sabdariffa (HS) Linn. is rich in antioxidants and previous studies have
demonstrated its anti-hypertensive effects. Several studies show that regular
physical activity is an important component to reduce cardiovascular mortality.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a combination of
aerobic exercise and HS extract on nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) in
rats.
Methods
An experimental study was conducted on 36 male Wistar rats, aged 4 weeks
and 60-70 g in weight. The interventions were aerobic exercises and HS at 400
mg/kg BW/day administered for 4, 8 and 12 weeks. The rats were randomized into
12 groups: 3 control groups (C4, C8, C12), 3 aerobic exercise groups (A4, A8,
A12), 3 HS groups (H4, H8, H12), and 3 combination groups [aerobic exercise and
HS] (HA4, HA8, HA12). After 4, 8, and 12 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and
their abdominal aorta was collected for determination of nitric oxide and ET-1
concentrations. One way ANOVA was used to analyze the data.
Results
There was a significant difference in NO levels between all groups, with
the 4-week aerobic exercise group (A4) showing the highest NO levels compared to
the other eleven groups (p<0.05). In contrast, the ET-1 levels were not
significantly different between all groups.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated that the combination of HS supplementation and
aerobic exercise increases NO in rats, and provided further evidence to the
traditional use of the plant as an antioxidants agent.
Keywords: Aerobic exercise;
Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.; nitric oxide; endothelin-1; rats
Author: Donna Adriani
Kusumadewi Muhammad, Minarma Siagian, Dewi Irawati SS
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg170040
