Effect of "Folere" Juice (Calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa Lin) on Some Biochemical Parameters in Humans

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the consumption of “Folere” juice extracted from the dried calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa Lin on some biochemical parameters in humans. A standardized extraction procedure of the juice was set up using a survey carried out on 10 “foleré” juice sellers in Douala town. An enrolment of 22 apparently healthy male volunteers was done and these were observed before and throughout the study period. Each subject consumed 1 liter of juice per day (half in the morning and half in the evening). Glucose, haemoglobin, serum iron, total cholesterol, triglycerides, High density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and C-reactive protein levels were all determined at days 0, 4 and 9. Results shows that “Folere” juice significantly decreases the serum level of serum iron, total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (p<0.05) and increases significantly triglycerides and haemoglobin levels (p<0.05). Also, no differences in blood glucose levels were obtained during the study period. Furthermore, a non significant decrease in transaminases levels was also observed. These findings suggest that “folere” juice can safely be used in the prevention and management of anaemia and cardiovascular diseases and may also have some level of hepatoprotective effects as far as transaminases are concerned.