Combination of aerobic exercise and Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. increased nitric oxide in rats

Journal Title: Universa Medicina - Year 2017, Vol 36, Issue 2

Abstract

Background 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.

Authors and Affiliations

Donna Adriani, Minarma Siagian, Dewi Irawati

Keywords

Related Articles

Aloe vera extract reduces 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine levels and improves total antioxidants in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease caused by lack of insulin production in the pancreas or by insulin resistance, the disease being characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. Hyperglycemia in diabete...

Imminent threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of diagnostic and antibiotic stewardship

Antibiotic is one of the hallmarks of modern medicine. Antibiotics have saved many lives that was unthinkable prior to the discovery of antibiotic. Yet, antibiotic use is associated with the danger of resistance of bacte...

Zinc deficiency as risk factor for stunting among children aged 2-5 years

Background Stunting is a nutritional problem in the form of linear growth disturbance caused by low intake of macro- and micronutrients. The prevalence of stunting in children aged 2-5 years in Semarang is higher in wel...

Shortening tends to increase aortic foam cell count and wall thickness in male Wistar rats

Background Shortening is widely used as raw material for bread and other foods. Hypercholesterolemia increases aortic arch foam cell formation and abdominal aortic wall thickness. This study aimed to determine the effect...

Combination of five clinical data as prognostic factors of mortality after ischemic stroke

Background The mortality rate after ischemic stoke is influenced by various factors. Prognosis after ischemic stroke can be predicted using a scoring system to help the doctor to evaluate patient’s condition, neurologic...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP376425
  • DOI 10.18051/UnivMed.2017.v36.80-87
  • Views 355
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Donna Adriani, Minarma Siagian, Dewi Irawati (2017). Combination of aerobic exercise and Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. increased nitric oxide in rats. Universa Medicina, 36(2), 80-87. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-376425