Dietary Intervention with Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Beverage Residue Attenuates Dyslipidemia and Hepatic Steatosis in Late-Stage Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Roselle beverage residue (RBR), a by-product of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. processing, retains bioactive compounds, including soluble and insoluble dietary fiber and polyphenols. Its antihyperglycemic effect in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been previously demonstrated; however, its role in lipid metabolism remains unknown. This study assessed the preventive and therapeutic potential of RBR on dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis in a rodent model of late-stage T2DM characterized by hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia. Male Wistar rats with T2DM induced by a high-fat and high-fructose diet combined with streptozotocin received 6% RBR supplementation as either a preventive intervention (starting at week 1 in healthy rats or week 9 in insulin-resistant rats) or a therapeutic intervention (starting at week 14 in diabetic rats). After 17 weeks, RBR supplementation significantly reduced serum triglycerides and total cholesterol, attenuating hepatic lipid accumulation regardless of the timing of intervention. Hepatic Acadm expression, involved in fatty acid β-oxidation, was significantly upregulated in rats treated with RBR from week 1 and 9, whereas no significant modulation was observed for genes related to fatty acid synthesis or uptake. These findings suggest that RBR supplementation may contribute to improving lipid metabolism and hepatic steatosis in a rat model of late-stage T2DM.