Intraocular pressure reducing effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf aqueous extract  in normotensive subjects

Emoefe S.  Odjimogho; Stella E.  Odjimogho; Trust A.  Asemota; Benjamin O.  Gabriel

Emoefe S. Odjimogho Department of Optometry, University of Benin, Benin-City
Stella E. Odjimogho Department of Optometry, University of Benin, Benin-City
Trust A. Asemota Department of Optometry, University of Benin, Benin-City
Benjamin O. Gabriel Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Benin, Benin-City

Keywords: Hibiscus drink, intraocular pressure, Hibiscus sabdariffa, normotensive subjects.

Abstract

This study is aimed to investigate the effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf aqueous extract on intraocular pressure (IOP) in normotensive subjects. A total of fifty-two (52) individuals participated in this study with a mean age of 22.79 ± 2.645 years, with equal gender distribution of male and female. The study population was subdivided into two groups: an experimental group A and Control group B. Each group consisted of 26 normotensives (as study design) comprising of 13 males and 13 females who were age-matched. All the participants abstained from medication for one week and no breakfast on the day of the experiment. The baseline IOP value of all subjects in both groups were measured with Perkins non-contact tonometer thereafter, those in the experimental group were administered with aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa. The IOP was then measured at intervals of 30, 60, 90 and 120 mins after ingestion of the extract. The findings of this study showed that in group A, there was significant reduction in IOP in both the right and left eyes over time intervals (p < 0.001) post – ingestion of Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf aqueous extract. The peak of reduction in IOP occurred at 120 minutes on the right eye (10.15 ± 1.190 mmHg) and left eye (10.31 ± 1.192) compared to the baseline findings of 13.23 ± 1.996 mmHg and 13.04 ± 2.490 mmHg, respectively. Notably, group B did not exhibit any significant changes in IOP. Across the time intervals examined, it was observed that there was no significant relationship between the age and gender of the participants and the fluctuations in their IOP subsequent to ingesting Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf aqueous extract (p > 0.05). Conversely, there were significant relationships identified between the participants’ baseline IOP levels and the alterations in their IOP after ingesting Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf aqueous extract (p < 0.05). This study suggests that eye care professionals could consider the integration of Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf aqueous extract as a complementary therapy in the management of IOP in some ocular conditions like glaucoma.