The effect of roselle flower petals extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.) on reducing inflammation in dextran sodium sulfateinduced colitis.

Aim To determine the effect of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) petals in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis model by measuring pro-inflammatory cytokines expressions (IL-6, and TNF-α), anti-inflammatory cytokine expression (IL-10) and histological colitis inflammation score (HCIS). Methods This study was conducted in two phases. For the first phase, five DSS-induced colitis mice were sacrificed (group 1) and compared with six healthy mice (group 2) after five-cycle induction (70 days). For the second phase, roselle-treated DSS-induced colitis mice were sacrificed on day 7, 14, 21, and 28 after induction and compared with mesalazine-treated DSS-induced colitis mice. Expressions of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 were determined by immunohistochemistry and HCIS were assessed by two experienced pathologists. Results The expressions of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10, and HCIS in DSS-induced colitis mice were increased compared with control. The expressions of IL-6, TNF-α were significantly higher in roselle-treated group on day 7 and 14, but not on day 21 and 28, whereas, the expression of IL-10 was significantly lower only on day 7 compared with mesalazine-treated group. The inflammation was higher in roselle-treated group assessed by using HCIS. Compared to day 0, the reduction of HCIS was significant in roselle-treated and mesalazine-treated groups. Conclusion Roselle flower petal can attenuate the inflammation in DSS-induced colitis in mice. The extract of roselle can be given as an adjuvant therapy to the first-line therapy to enhance anti-inflammatory effect by increasing expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines.