The Effect of Roselle Flower Infusion (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on Retinal Ganglion Cell Apoptosis of Sprague Dawley Rats Exposed to Cigarette Smoke

Background: Cigarette smoke contains a lot of free radicals that can reduce antioxidants in the body. One those is Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which induce Retinal Ganglion Cell (RGC) apoptosis. Reduced ganglion cell axons will eventually lead to optic neuropathy. Supplementing herbal medicines, vitamins, foods, and drinks containing one way increase oxidant levels Roselle or Hibiscus sabdariffa plant reported have antioxidant content.Objective: The study aimed prove flower infusions retinal apoptosis Sprague Dawley rats exposed cigarette smoke.Methods: This was an experimental with post-test-only design total 24 male four non-filtered cigarettes/day for 30 consecutive days. They were randomly divided into sub-groups, each group consisted 6 rats. control received 1 ml saline, three treatment groups 2.5%, 5%, 10% Enucleated eyes then made paraffin blocks slides HE staining. score assessed by calculating number apoptotic cells using 1000x five fields view. data analyzed Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test followed Mann-Whitney U test.Results: average control, 1, 2, 3 3.00; 2.83; 2.00; 1.83. There significant difference between 2 (p=0.001) (p=0.001), while there no (p=0.317).Conclusion: administration 5% smoke. higher infusion concentration, lower cells.