Hibiscus

Hibiscus is a large bush that can reach a height of 5 metres. Its alternate, simple, oval or lance-shaped leaves have serrated or undulated edges. Its monochrome or two-tone flowers are isolated or grouped into inflorescences, which are twisted before fully opening, and blossom from March to October. Its capsule fruits open when ripe, to release often velvety seeds.

Latin name

Hibiscus sabdariffa L.

Origin

Grown in Egypt and south-east Asia - Imported into Europe and America.

Used part

The flowers.

Active components

Organic acids (citric acid, malic and tartaric acid): have an acidic flavour and are often natural preservatives.

Anthocyanidins: responsible for the dark red colour, anti-inflammatory effect and are also a powerful antioxidant. They have a cholesterol-lowering and an antihypertensive effect, acting as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Vitamin C and carotenoids: antioxidants.

Usage

The green leaves are used in Asian cooking as spicy version of spinach, or in soup. The fresh calyces are consumed raw in a salad, but can also be cooked and used as a flavouring in cakes and preserves. The dried calyces are used as an ingredient in syrups, carbonated drinks and even a type of beer. Hibiscus can be drunk hot or cold as a herbal tea. Its flavour is similar to that of cranberry. Its delicious flavour and thirst-quenching effect are enjoyed all over the world. It is rich in vitamins and minerals. Due to its natural colourant content, this plant is used as a natural food dye. The fibre can be used to make jute and paper. Hibiscus has been used in popular medicine as a diuretic, mild laxative and in the treatment of cardiac and nervous disorders. This plant is considered to have antihypertensive properties. It is also a popular remedy against abscesses, biliary disorders, coughs, scurvy and urinary disorders. It also has stimulating and toning properties that contribute to the resistance against mental and physical fatigue. Science currently supports its renal elimination properties_1-4, its contribution to good microcirculation and its effects in reducing the sensation of heavy legs._5-20

Bibliographical references

Pharmacological characterization of the diuretic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn (Malvaceae) extract.
Alarcón-Alonso J, Zamilpa A, Aguilar FA, Herrera-Ruiz M, Tortoriello J, Jimenez-Ferrer E.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2012 Feb 15;139(3):751-6.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22178178
Diuretic effect of compounds from Hibiscus sabdariffa by modulation of the aldosterone activity.
Jiménez-Ferrer E, Alarcón-Alonso J, Aguilar-Rojas A, Zamilpa A, Jiménez-Ferrer C I, Tortoriello J, Herrera-Ruiz M.
Planta Med. 2012 Dec;78(18):1893-8.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23150077
Verification of the folkloric diuretic claim of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. petal extract
CN Aguwa, OO Ndu, CC Nwanma, PO Udeogaranya, NO Akwara
Nig. J. Pharm. Res. 3(1) 2004: 1-8
African Journals Online: http://www.ajol.info/index.php/njpr/article/view/35377
Herbal medicines as diuretics: a review of the scientific evidence.
Wright CI, Van-Buren L, Kroner CI, Koning MM.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Oct 8;114(1):1-31.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17804183
The effectiveness of Hibiscus sabdariffa in the treatment of hypertension: a systematic review.
Wahabi HA, Alansary LA, Al-Sabban AH, Glasziuo P.
Phytomedicine. 2010 Feb;17(2):83-6
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19801187
Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in the treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia: a comprehensive review of animal and human studies.
Hopkins AL, Lamm MG, Funk JL, Ritenbaugh C.
Fitoterapia. 2013 Mar;85:84-94.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23333908
Clinical effects produced by a standardized herbal medicinal product of Hibiscus sabdariffa on patients with hypertension. A randomized, double-blind, lisinopril-controlled clinical trial.
Herrera-Arellano A, Miranda-Sánchez J, Avila-Castro P, Herrera-Alvarez S, Jiménez-Ferrer JE, Zamilpa A, Román-Ramos R, Ponce-Monter H, Tortoriello J.
Planta Med. 2007 Jan;73(1):6-12.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17315307
An evaluation of the hypolipidemic effect of an extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa leaves in hyperlipidemic Indians: a double blind, placebo controlled trial.
Kuriyan R, Kumar DR, R R, Kurpad AV.
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010 Jun 17;10:27
Bio Med Central: http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1472-6882-10-27.pdf
Modification of the liver fatty acids by Hibiscus sabdariffa Linnaeus (Malvaceae) infusion, its possible effect on vascular reactivity in a metabolic syndrome model.
Pérez-Torres I, Zúñiga Muñoz A, Beltrán-Rodríguez U, Díaz-Díaz E, Martínez-Memije R, Guarner Lans V.
Clin Exp Hypertens. 2013 Jun 4.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23734849
Mechanisms of the blood pressure lowering effect of the calyx extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa in rats.
Adegunloye BJ, Omoniyi JO, Owolabi OA, Ajagbonna OP, Sofola OA, Coker HA.
Afr J Med Med Sci. 1996 Sep;25(3):235-8.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10457797
Inhibition of angiotensin convertin enzyme (ACE) activity by the anthocyanins delphinidin- and cyanidin-3-O-sambubiosides from Hibiscus sabdariffa.
Ojeda D, Jiménez-Ferrer E, Zamilpa A, Herrera-Arellano A, Tortoriello J, Alvarez L.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2010 Jan 8;127(1):7-10.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19808084
Antioxidant and drug detoxification potentials of Hibiscus sabdariffa anthocyanin extract.
Ajiboye TO, Salawu NA, Yakubu MT, Oladiji AT, Akanji MA, Okogun JI.
Drug Chem Toxicol. 2011 Apr;34(2):109-15.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21314460
Chemopreventive properties and molecular mechanisms of the bioactive compounds in Hibiscus sabdariffa Linne.
Lin HH, Chen JH, Wang CJ.
Curr Med Chem. 2011;18(8):1245-54.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21291361
Hibiscus sabdariffa ethanolic extract protects against dyslipidemia and oxidative stress induced by chronic cholesterol administration in rabbits.
Ekor M, Adesanoye OA, Udo IE, Adegoke OA, Raji J, Farombi EO.
Afr J Med Med Sci. 2010 Dec;39 Suppl:161-70.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22416659
In vitro vasorelaxation mechanisms of bioactive compounds extracted from Hibiscus sabdariffa on rat thoracic aorta.
Sarr M, Ngom S, Kane MO, Wele A, Diop D, Sarr B, Gueye L, Andriantsitohaina R, Diallo AS.
Nutr Metab (Lond). 2009 Nov 2;6:45.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19883513
The aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calices modulates the production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in humans.
Beltrán-Debón R, Alonso-Villaverde C, Aragonès G, Rodríguez-Medina I, Rull A, Micol V, Segura-Carretero A, Fernández-Gutiérrez A, Camps J, Joven J.
Phytomedicine. 2010 Mar;17(3-4):186-91.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19765963
Polyphenols extracted from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation by improving antioxidative conditions and regulating cyclooxygenase-2 expression.
Kao ES, Hsu JD, Wang CJ, Yang SH, Cheng SY, Lee HJ.
Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2009 Feb;73(2):385-90.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19202285
Chronic administration of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa attenuates hypertension and reverses cardiac hypertrophy in 2K-1C hypertensive rats.
Odigie IP, Ettarh RR, Adigun SA.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Jun;86(2-3):181-5.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12738084
Inhibitory effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L extract on low-density lipoprotein oxidation and anti-hyperlipidemia in fructose-fed and cholesterol-fed rats
Chang-Che Chen, Fen-Pi Chou, Yung-Chyan Ho, Wea-Lung Lin, Chin-Pin Wang, Erl-Shyh Kao, An-Chung Huang, Chau-Jong Wang
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture Volume 84, Issue 15, pages 1989–1996, 2004
Wiley Online Library: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jsfa.1872/abstract
Hibiscus sabdariffa extract reduces serum cholesterol in men and women.
Tzu-Li Lina, Hui-Hsuan Linb, Chang-Che Chenb, Ming-Cheng Linc, Ming-Chih Choud, Chau-Jong Wangb
Nutrition Research 27 (2007) 140 – 145
Biodiversity: http://www.aseanbiodiversity.info/abstract/51007368.pdf

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