Hibiscus sabdariffa
What's the taxonomical classification of Hibiscus sabdariffa?
Hibiscus sabdariffa belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Moving down the taxonomic hierarchy, it falls under the order Malvales and is a member of the family Malvaceae. Finally, the plant is identified by the genus Hibiscus and is specifically designated as the species sabdariffa.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Hibiscus |
| Species | sabdariffa |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Hibiscus sabdariffa has an erect, perennial shrubby structure characterized by woody stems, ovate to lanceolate leaves with serrated margins, and prominent, fleshy red calyces. The leaves are typically arranged alternately along the branches and feature a deep green color with distinct venation. Small, pale yellow flowers emerge from the axils, displaying five delicate petals that contrast sharply with the developing fruit. Once pollination occurs, the most notable morphological feature is the enlargement of the calyx into a thick, succulent, and deeply pigmented red structure. This thickened calyx surrounds the seed capsule and serves as the primary edible portion of the plant.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to tropical regions of Africa and is widely cultivated throughout the humid, tropical, and subtropical zones of the world. It thrives in many parts of Asia, including India, China, and Southeast Asian nations, where it is often grown for its medicinal and culinary uses. In the Americas, it is frequently found in the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America due to its preference for warm climates. Because it requires consistent moisture and high temperatures, it is rarely seen in temperate or arid environments. Its distribution remains heavily concentrated in areas where frost is uncommon and sunlight is abundant.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Hibiscus sabdariffa, thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with well-draining soil, full sun exposure, and temperatures consistently between 65 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
To ensure successful growth, the soil should be enriched with organic matter and maintained at a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. Planting is typically done via seeds sown directly into the ground once the danger of frost has passed. Regular watering is necessary during the early stages of development, though the mature plants are relatively drought-tolerant.
As the plant matures, it produces deep red calyces that are harvested for tea and medicinal uses.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Hibiscus sabdariffa provides medicinal benefits through its fleshy red calyx, leaves, petals, seeds, and stem. The calyx is most commonly used to create infusions that help lower blood pressure and manage cholesterol levels. Extracts from the leaves and petals are often utilized for their high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties. The seeds can be processed for their nutritional value, while the stem is sometimes incorporated into traditional topical applications. Each of these components contributes unique phytochemicals to various herbal remedies.
According to a study published by "Pharmaceuctical biology", the aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (AEHS) was prepared by brewing 35 g of Hibiscus calyces in 250 mL of boiled water for 30 min. This extract exerted a bacteriostatic effect against all tested HP strains with MICs values ranging from 9.18 to 16.68 μg/mL. A synergy effect of AEHS with CLA or MTZ was obtained against 4 of 7 HP strains tested with ∑FIC ranging from 0.21 to 0.39. Additionally, an additive effect of AEHS with AMX was observed against 5 of 7 HP strains with ∑FIC ranging from 0.61 to 0.91. This study presents AEHS as a potent therapeutic candidate alone or in combination with antibiotics for the treatment of HP infection.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- calyx
- leaf
- petal
- seed
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Hibiscus sabdariffa, has been utilized for centuries across various cultures to treat ailments ranging from hypertension to digestive issues. In African traditional medicine, different parts of the plant are frequently employed to manage fever, diarrhea, and inflammatory conditions. Similarly, Ayurveda incorporates the plant into its medicinal practices to balance bodily energies and support cardiovascular health. Historical preparations often involve brewing the dried calyces into potent infusions or teas for therapeutic consumption. These diverse traditional systems highlight the long-standing recognition of its biological benefits throughout human history.
According to a study published by "Journal of human hypertension", Hibiscus sabdariffa, also known as bissap, is used as a first-line therapy for hypertension in adult patients with blood pressure greater than 140/90 mm Hg. In a randomized controlled trial, patients were administered bissap calyx in doses of 320 mg x 2/day for four consecutive weeks. During the 3 weeks of treatment, the mean decrease for SBP was -11.2 ± 3.3 mm Hg (P = 0.001), while the mean decrease for DBP was -6.0 ± 4.7 mm Hg (P = 0.271). A significant natriuretic effect was observed in the bissap group. At the end of the four weeks, 21% [95% CI: 11.7-35.9] of those taking bissap had normalized their BP.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- African traditional medicine
- Ayurveda
What are the pharmacological activities of Hibiscus sabdariffa?
This plant has diverse pharmacological activities including anti-oxidant, anti-hypertension, anti-hyperglycemia, anti-hyperlipidemia, and ACE inhibitor properties. The high concentration of anthocyanins provides potent anti-oxidant effects that neutralize free radicals in the body. Its ability to function as an ACE inhibitor helps to lower blood pressure by preventing the constriction of blood vessels. Additionally, the plant exhibits anti-hyperglycemia and anti-hyperlipidemia activities by assisting in the regulation of blood glucose and cholesterol levels. These combined medicinal properties make Hibiscus sabdariffa a significant subject for managing metabolic and cardiovascular health.
According to a study published by "Journal of the American Nutrition Association", Hibiscus sabdariffa possesses antihypertensive potential through vasodilator activity, diuretic efficacy, functionality as an ACE inhibitor, adipocyte differentiation inhibitor, heart rate reduction ability, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Its dose-dependent antihyperlipidemic effect stems from the antioxidative effect and the activation of AMPK through phosphorylation, alongside the inhibition of regulatory adipogenic transcription factors PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, and SREBP-1c. As an antihyperglycemic, Hibiscus sabdariffa acts as anti-insulin resistance by inhibiting the phosphorylation of IRS-1, showing a similar effect to gliptins. Furthermore, Hibiscus sabdariffa protects against neuroinflammation in microglial cell culture exposed to LPS by decreasing IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α expression. The plant also provides protection against glucotoxicity and improves memory function by inhibiting the formation of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins in the mouse brain.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- ACE inhibitor
- anti-hyperglycemia
- anti-hyperlipidemia
- anti-hypertension
- anti-oxidant
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains various medicinal compounds including the anthocyanins cyanidin and delphinidin, the flavonoid hibiscetin, and the essential vitamin ascorbic acid. These bioactive molecules work together to provide significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to the human body. Cyanidin and delphinidin are specific types of anthocyanins that contribute to the vibrant red color of the petals while protecting cells from oxidative stress. Hibiscetin serves as another potent phytochemical that helps neutralize harmful free radicals. Additionally, the high concentration of ascorbic acid supports immune function and promotes overall physiological health.
According to a study published by "Journal of biomolecular structure & dynamics", Hibiscus sabdariffa L. or roselle is a rich source of naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds that reportedly have robust estrogenic activity. The study screened a library of recorded and less-explored compounds of Hibiscus sabdariffa for their estrogen receptor binding affinity and safety. Results revealed that the estrogen-receptor binding potential of Pelargonidin, Delphinidin, Cyanidin, and Hibiscetin are more efficient than the popular breast cancer drugs Tamoxifen and Raloxifene. These compounds exhibited favourable toxicological parameters with potent bioactivity towards binding the ER-α subunit. Thus, these compounds can serve as prototypes for designing novel Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator molecules with a few structural modifications.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Anthocyanins
- Ascorbic acid
- Delphinidin
- Cyanidin
- Phenolic acids
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for managing hypertension, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, cholesterol, and anaemia. Its antioxidant properties help regulate glucose levels in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. The infusion is also known to lower LDL cholesterol and overall blood pressure through its diuretic effects. Furthermore, the high iron content in the plant makes it a useful dietary addition for treating anaemia. Regular consumption may provide significant cardiovascular benefits for those monitoring their metabolic health.
According to a study published by "Planta medica", Hibiscus sabdariffa is used as an antihypertensive for patients with hypertension stage I or II. In a trial involving 171 subjects, a dose of 250 mg of total anthocyanins from the dried extract of H. sabdariffa calyxes decreased blood pressure from 146.48/97.77 to 129.89/85.96 mmHg. This represents an absolute reduction of 17.14/11.97 mmHg, which equals 11.58/12.21%, and a therapeutic effectiveness of 65.12 %. The treatment also inhibited ACE plasma activity from 44.049 to 30.1 Units (Us). Additionally, serum chlorine increased from 91.71 to 95.13 mmol/L, while sodium showed a tendency to decrease from 139.09 to 137.35.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- diabetes mellitus
- hypertension
- anemia
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Hibiscus sabdariffa, which is processed into various medicinal preparations including decoctions, herbal teas, infusions, juices, and a specialized hibiscus sabdariffa beverage. Practitioners often create a decoction by boiling the dried calyces in water to extract potent bioactive compounds for therapeutic use. An infusion or herbal tea is another common method, where hot water is poured over the flowers to gently steep the delicate parts of the plant. For a more concentrated liquid form, the fresh or dried petals can be pressed into a vibrant juice. These diverse preparations allow for different concentrations of antioxidants and organic acids to be delivered to the consumer.
According to a study published by "Journal of medicinal food", decoctions of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. are used medicinally for a variety of ailments and are popular for preparing refreshing drinks. Scientific reports support the diuretic and antihypertensive potentials of the plant. In experimental studies, co-administration of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract (20-40 mg/kg) with hydrochlorothiazide (10 mg/kg) caused a significant increase in the volume of urine excreted. This administration also resulted in a decrease in urine pH and the concentrations of sodium, bicarbonate, and chloride ions. Furthermore, the extract increased and prolonged the plasma concentration, the mean area under the concentration-time curve, and the volume of distribution of the drug achieved over a 24-hour sampling period.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Decoctions
- Hibiscus sabdariffa beverage
- Herbal tea
- Infusion
- Juice
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause adverse health effects including gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhoea, dermal irritation, and negatively influenced male reproductive fertility through altered sperm morphology. Consuming excessive amounts of the plant may trigger various gastrointestinal disorders that disrupt normal digestion. Some individuals also report experiencing diarrhoea after ingestion. Contact with the plant can lead to dermal irritation on sensitive skin areas. Furthermore, research suggests that it may adversely influence male reproductive fertility by causing altered sperm morphology.
According to a study published by "Acta histochemica", Hibiscus sabdariffa extract can alter normal sperm morphology and testicular ultrastructure in adult male albino mice. The study involved 30 adult male albino mice that were divided into 3 equal groups for testing. These mice received a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight/mouse of either cold or boiled aqueous extract orally daily for 4 weeks. Results showed that both cold and boiled aqueous extracts from the dried calyx of H. sabdariffa adversely influence male reproductive fertility. Because of these findings, the study suggests that the extract should be consumed with caution.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- adversely influenced male reproductive fertility
- altered sperm morphology
- dermally irritation
- diarrhoea
- gastrointestinal disorders
What herbs are paired with Hibiscus sabdariffa?
This plant pairs most effectively with ginger, lemongrass, cinnamon, mint, and honey to balance its natural tartness.
The spicy warmth of ginger and cinnamon complements the deep acidity of the dried calyces. Lemongrass adds a citrusy top note that enhances the floral aroma of the infusion. Mint provides a cooling sensation that refreshes the palate after the intense sourness.
Adding honey serves to mellow the sharp edges of the hibiscus flavor profile.