Attenuation of salt-induced hypertension by aqueous calyx extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa

The aqueous calyx extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa (HS) has a folk reputation as an antihypertensive agent. On account of its antioxidant properties and probably high K+ concentration, we hypothesized that HS may attenuate the development of salt-induced hypertension. Sprague-Dawley rats (n=8 each) were treated for 12 weeks as follows: control (normal diet + water), salt-loaded (8% salt diet + water), HS (normal diet + 6mg/ml HS), salt+HS (8% salt diet + 6mg/ml HS) and furosemide (normal diet+ 0.25mg/Kg furosemide). Their blood pressure and heart rates were measured and responses to noradrenalin and acetylcholine (0.01mg/kg respectively) were estimated. The cationic concentration of 6mg/ml HS was determined. The Na+ and K+ concentrations of 6mg/ml HS were 3.6 and 840mmol/l respectively. The mean arterial pressure (MAP±SEM; mmHg) of salt loaded rats (184.6±29.8) was significantly higher than control (113.2±3.0; P<0.05), HS (90.0±7.4; P<0.001) salt+HS (119.4±8.9; P<0.05) and furosemide (94.9±11.5; P<0.01). The MAP of salt+HS and control rats did not differ significantly and the effect of HS was comparable to furosemide. The pressor response to noradrenalin or vasodilator response to acetylcholine remained similar in all groups. These results suggest that HS attenuated the development of salt-induced hypertension and this attenuation may be associated with its high K+ content or high potassium: sodium ratio and not with altered pressor/depressor response to noradrenalin or acetylcholine. Also the effects of HS and furosemide on blood pressure are comparable

Combinations of palm kernel cake, yam peels and plantain peels as alternative energy source in finisher broiler diets.

Combinations of palm kernel cake (PKC), yam peels (YP) and plantain peels (PP) were evaluated as alternative energy source in finisher broiler diets. Four experimental finisher broiler diets were formulated such that diet T1 (control) contained no PKC, YP and PP. Diets T2, T3 and T4 contained PKC, YP and PP combined in the ratios 1:2:1, 1:1:2 and 2:1:1, respectively, replacing 50% of the maize in the respective finisher broiler diets. These diets were randomly assigned to eighty four, four week old unsexed Marshall Broilers in four groups of 21 birds each and 3 replicates of 7 birds respectively, for 28 days. Results obtained indicated that PKC contained higher crude protein and crude fibre (17.05 and 15.09%) and lower nitrogen free extract (54.20%) than YP and PP. PP however, recorded the highest value of nitrogen free extract (70.30%), and lowest ether extract value (2.06%). Broilers fed diets T3 produced numerically higher but comparable (p&gt;0.05) body weight gain (1341.50 vs 1551.40g) and feed conversion ratio (2.40 vs 2.41) to those on diet T1. Values for dressed carcass weights, thigh and back cuts produced by diet T3 were also comparable (p&gt;0.05) to that of diet T1. Breast and wing yield of birds on diet T3 was nevertheless significantly (p&lt;0.05) heavier than other groups. Diets T1 produced significantly heavier gizzard and liver than other groups while abdominal fat, heart and spleen weights produced by birds on diet T1 were comparable (p&gt;0.05) to those on diet T3.Diet T2 produced the poorest performance in most of the parameters measured. Replacement of 50% maize in finisher broiler diets with 1:1:2 combinations of PKC, YP and PP produced a 25.10% savings on feed cost per kg and 24.79% savings on feed cost per kg body weight gain.Keywords: Pperformance; broiler finisher; alternative energ