Introduction:   

Hibiscus, commonly called Roselle, belongs to the family Malvaceae. Hibiscus has over 300 species of flowering plants, and one of them is Hibiscus sabdariffa Linne. It is considered a multipurpose plant that has various health benefits. Hibiscus is a perennial flowering plant grown throughout the seasons.The medicinal shrub originated in Africa and is planted worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions of India, China, Sudan, Malaysia, Taiwan and many other countries.^1–3 

Hibiscus is cultivated for flowers, leaves, stems, seeds and roots. Hibiscus flowers and seed oils are widely used in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical formulations. Hibiscus has medicinal value; references are seen in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. It is commonly called Lalambari or Gudhal in Hindi and Jaswandh in Marathi.^1,2 

Nutritional Value of Hibiscus: 

Hibiscus has good nutritional value, which is given below. 

Table1: Nutritional value of Hibiscus per 100 grams⁴ 

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Therapeutic Uses of Hibiscus: 

The whole plant of Hibiscus, including the flower, stem, leaves, roots and seeds, has medicinal benefits.¹ 

• Hibiscus leaves show antiseptic (reducing microorganisms’ growth) properties.¹ 
• Hibiscus calyces have been used for their antispasmodic properties (relieves spasm of muscles), and seed oil has blood pressure-lowering properties.¹ 
• The seeds have mild laxative (treats constipation) and diuretic (increase passing of urine) properties.¹ 
• Dried calyces and seed extract show antioxidant properties (protect cells from damages caused by free radicals), whereas Hibiscus juice has anti-cancer properties.^2,3 
• Hibiscus leaves possess antipyretic (reduces fever) and sedative (sleep-inducing) properties. Hibiscus extract has an anti-diabetic impact, as it lowers blood sugar.⁴  
• Hibiscus leaves and flowers have a contraceptive effect as they suppress pregnancy. They also have hair growth-promoting and anti-greying effects.⁵ 

Also Read: Neem: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and more!

Benefits of Hibiscus:  

1. Benefits of Hibiscus for cancer 

Hibiscus calyx juice is considered a folk remedy for cancer.It shows an antiproliferative (reducing cancer cell spread) effect and has antioxidants which perform free radical scavenging activities. Studies have shown that hibiscus juice causes cancer cell death. It is considered a chemoprotective agent as it protects from the side effects of cancer drugs.^1,2 

2. Benefits of Hibiscus for diabetes 

The efficacy of Hibiscus in the management of insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus type 2 was studied in an animal model. The results revealed a significant reduction in blood sugar levels. Studies showed that the Hibiscus extract has anti-insulin resistance properties (shows an insulin-like response), decreasing high blood sugar and insulin levels.⁴ 

PharmEasy Recommends – Atulya Hibiscus Organic Powder

3. Benefits of Hibiscus for hair 

Hibiscus leaves and flowers are proven to promote hair growth by circulating the blood to hair follicles. The leaves and flowers of Hibiscus also have anti-greying activity because they contain natural pigments, antioxidants and vitamins that give natural colour and a darker shine to hair.^5,6 

According to animal studies, the topical application of leaf extract and gentle rubbing action on the skin enhances blood circulation; this may be effective for hair growth. This study also mentions that the hibiscus leaf extract directly impacts hair follicles, improving hair growth.^5,7 

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4. Benefits of Hibiscus for the skin 

Hibiscus plants are rich sources of mucilages, which are complex polysaccharides. The plant’s leaves are traditionally used to manage burning sensations and skin diseases as it has a skin-soothing and moisturising effect. The Hibiscus mucilage extract contains glycerine, which shows the highest skin moisturising effect.⁸ 

5. Benefits of Hibiscus for obesity 

Hibiscus is considered to have anti-obesity properties. In animal studies, Hibiscus tea showed blocking of sugars and starch absorption, which assisted in weight loss. The ability of Hibiscus extract to reduce weight is due to its polyphenols and flavonoids, which prevent the accumulation of fat and, thus, lower body weight.⁹ 

6. Benefits of Hibiscus for kidneys 

The Hibiscus extract has a beneficial effect on kidneys. It reduces serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and lipids and protects the kidneys from oxidative stress. Consumption of Hibiscus tea produces a uricosuric effect that helps in the excretion of uric acid through urine. This prevents the deposition of calcium crystals in kidneys and thus prevents kidney stones.¹⁰ 

7. Other health-related benefits of Hibiscus 

Hibiscus tea has benefits for dealing with high blood pressure. Hibiscus is of medicinal importance and is used to manage colds, toothaches, and urinary tract infections. The leaf juice is used to manage conjunctivitis.¹ 

Hibiscus flowers are hormonal contraceptives that act as fertility suppressors. Upon discontinuation, the complete return of fertility is confirmed by human clinical trials. In India, the hot extract of stem and flower are used as contraceptives, for abortion, and as an anti-fertility agent. Hibiscus with Asafoetida oleo-gum resin effectively suppresses pregnancy and shows no toxic effects. The flower decoction also regulates the menstrual cycle and induces labour.⁵ 

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Side Effects of Hibiscus: 

• Hibiscus seeds have anti-nutritional factors that can reduce nutrient uptake, minimise food digestion, decrease nutrient bioavailability and produce flatulence (gas). People having digestion problems must consult a doctor before using Hibiscus.³ 
• Before consuming any herb, one should consult an Ayurvedic physician because the herbs have specific side effects. Hibiscus has been reported to have a low degree of acute toxicity. The Hibiscus toxicity effect is dose-dependent.⁷ 
• Various studies suggested that consumption at high doses for an extended period may cause liver injury or death due to high blood pressure and sudden cardiac arrest.^9,10  
• Patients with kidney problems should take advice from a doctor before having Hibiscus extract. When consumed at a higher amount, it can increase plasma creatinine levels, leading to muscular dysfunction, loss of kidney function, or even death.¹⁰ 

How to Use Hibiscus? 

Various parts of Hibiscus are used in the following ways: 

• Hibiscus edible seed oil is used as a substitute for castor oil and is also used to produce scrubs and soaps.^1,10 
• The flowers are widely used as organic herbal tea, and seeds are often a coffee substitute.¹ 
• Hibiscus leaves are used for culinary purposes. The raw leaves are considered a vegetable.¹ 
• Red calyces act as food colourants and dyes. Fresh or dried calyces are used to prepare herbal drinks, fermented drinks, wine, jam, jellies, ice cream, chocolates, flavouring agents, puddings, and cakes.^1,3,10 

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Precautions to Take With Hibiscus: 

People should take precautions while consuming Hibiscus extract, specifically patients with heart and kidney-related diseases.^9,10 

• Cardiac disorders  

Patients with high blood pressure receiving non-potassium sparing diuretics (medicines that help excrete more urine and treat oedema) should take precautions. If the dose increases the prescribed amount, the diuretic effect of Hibiscus extract could exert pressure on the blood vessel, causing death caused by loss of heart function.^8,10  

• Kidney dysfunction 

Patients with kidney stones or kidney dysfunction should consult a doctor about using Hibiscus juice; consumption in high amounts could lead to high creatinine levels in the blood resulting in a loss of kidney functioning.¹⁰ 

• Pregnancy 

Hibiscus is possibly unsafe to consume during pregnancy, and as it is used as a hormonal contraceptive, it might affect the pregnancy hormone. A doctor’s advice is essential during this condition.⁵ 

• Children 

The safety of taking Hibiscus extract by lactating mothers is questionable because consumption during lactation could increase weight gain after birth and delay the onset of puberty in children. Lactating mothers should take advice from their doctor before using HIbiscus.¹⁰ 

Interactions With Other Drugs: 

Hibiscus juice, when administered together with any drug, may increase the side effects and toxicity and also lead to therapeutic failure of the drug.⁹ 

When taken together with acetaminophen (paracetamol), Hibiscus sweetened water extract can interact with acetaminophen, resulting in the loss of therapeutic efficacy.¹¹ 

Also Read: Ashwagandha: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is Hibiscus tea? 

Hibiscus Tea is a non-caffeinated herbal tea made from Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdaraffa L.). The tea is made from the dried fruit of the flower. The tea is red and tastes like berries.⁴ 

How to make Hibiscus tea? 

Hibiscus tea is made from the fruit calyx of Hibiscus. Wash and air dry some calyces, crush them or make a fine powder. To make tea add the crushed calyces to a tea bag and let it steep for a couple of minutes in boiling water; add sugar or lemon juice if required. The tea is ready to serve hot or cold and can be stored in the refrigerator.⁴ 

What are the different common names of Hibiscus? 

There are several common names for Hibiscus, such as Roselle, Jamaican sorrel, and Indian sorrel in English. In Urdu, it is called Rozelle hemp. In Hindi, it is known as Lalambari.¹ 

What are the benefits of Hibiscus for hair? 

Mixing hibiscus powder with water and applying it to the hair can stop premature greying. Hibiscus consists of natural pigments, vitamins and antioxidants that give your grey hair a crimson tinge and natural hair a darker shine.⁶ 

Also Read: Natural Home Remedies For Grey Hair

References: 

1. Hameed Solangi A, Siddiqui ; A A, Junejo S, Younisarain M, Aslam Ansari M, Talpur UA, et al. ROSELLE (HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L.) A MULTIPURPOSE MEDICINAL PLANT AND ITS USES: A REVIEW. Int J Biol Res [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2022 May 10];5(1):21–4. Available from: ROSELLE (HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L.) A MULTIPURPOSE MEDICINAL PLANT AND ITS USES.pdf (ijbr.net) 

2. Puro K, Sunjukta R, Samir S, Ghatak S, Shakuntala I, Sen A. Medicinal Uses of Roselle Plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.): A Mini Review. Issue 1 Indian Journal of Hill Farming [Internet]. 2014 [cited 2022 May 10];27. Available from: http://www.kiran.nic.in/pdf/IJHF/Vol27_1_new/9.%20MedicinalUsesofRosellePlant(Hibiscus%20sabdariffaL).pdf 

3. Ismail A, Hainida E, Ikram K, Saadiah H, Nazri M. Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Seeds-Nutritional Composition, Protein Quality and Health Benefits Global Science Books Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Seeds-Nutritional Composition, Protein Quality and Health Benefits. [cited 2022 May 11]. Available from: https://www.doc-developpement-durable.org/file/Culture/Arbres-Fruitiers/FICHES_ARBRES/bissap-hibiscus%20sabdariffa&cannabinus/roselle%20seeds.pdf 

4. Singh P, Khan M, Hailemariam H. Nutritional and health importance of Hibiscus sabdariffa: a review and indication for research needs. 2017 [cited 2022 May 10]. Available from: https://www.researchgate/links/59c64a92458515548f326de6/Nutritional-and-Health-Importance-of-Hibiscus-Sabdariffa-A-Review-and-Indication-for-Research-Needs.pdf 

5. Jadhav VM, Thorat RM, Kadam VJ, Sathe NS, Jadhav VM. Traditional medicinal uses of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Journal of Pharmacy Research [Internet]. 2009 [cited 2022 May 11];2(8). Available from: https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.735.2975&rep=rep1&type=pdf 

6. Shelke M, Parjane S, Mankar SD, Siddheshwar SS. Therapeutic potential of Hibiscusrosa sinensis – A Review. Research Journal of Science and Technology. 2021 May 17;151–6. Available from: https://rjstonline.com/ 10.52711/2349-2988.2021.00023 

7. Adhirajan N, Ravi Kumar T, Shanmugasundaram N, Babu M. In vivo and in vitro evaluation of hair growth potential of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. J Ethnopharmacol [Internet]. 2003 Oct 1 [cited 2022 May 18];88(2–3):235–9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12963149/ 

8. Kassakul W, Praznik W, Hongwiset D, Article O, Viernstein H, Phrutivorapongkul A, et al. CHARACTERIZATION OF THE MUCILAGES EXTRACTED FROM HIBISCUS ROSA-SINENSIS LINN AND HIBISCUS MUTABILIS LINN AND THEIR SKIN MOISTURIZING EFFECT . Article in International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences [Internet]. 2014 Oct 2 [cited 2022 May 19];6(11). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283121889 

9. Ojulari OV, Lee SG, Nam JO. molecules Beneficial Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on Obesity. [cited 2022 May 10]. Available from: www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules 

10. Da-Costa-Rocha I, Bonnlaender B, Sievers H, Pischel I, Heinrich M. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. – a phytochemical and pharmacological review. Food Chemistry [Internet]. 2014 May 27 [cited 2022 May 11];165:424–43. Available from: https://europepmc.org/article/med/25038696 

11. Kolawole JA, Maduenyi A. Effect of zobo drink (Hibiscus sabdariffa water extract) on the pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen in human volunteers. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet [Internet]. 2004 [cited 2022 May 17];29(1):25–9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15151167/ 

  Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

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