Neuroprotective effects of Hibiscus Sabdariffa against hydrogen peroxide-induced toxicity

The World Health Organization and the National Institute of Mental Health (United States of America) states that neurodegenerative diseases leads to significant loss of regular activity of the patients, their family and the caretakers leading to a huge economic loss. Current treatments provide modest and temporary symptomatic relief, without altering the underlying mechanisms associated with the onset and the progression of the neurodegenerative diseases. Strong scientific evidence points to the involvement of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, the current therapeutic efforts have been directed to find beneficial agents that could reduce the oxidative damage and promote a functional recovery of neurons in degenerative disorders. Hydrogen peroxide is an endogenous neurotoxin which can initiate and propagate (promote) neurodegeneration. Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle) exhibits multiple pharmacological activities. Hence in this study, the authors evaluated the neuroprotective effects and the possible mechanisms of action of Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle) against the hydrogen peroxide-induced neurotoxicity. Hibiscus sabdariffa exhibited antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects and significantly attenuated the neurotoxicity of hydrogen peroxide. Hibiscus sabdariffa exhibits neuroprotective effects and can be an effective and novel alternative approach to reduce the risk of various neurodegenerative disorders.