A comprehensive overview of Hibiscus-rosa-sinensis and its uses: A review

Introduction

Herbal medicine is the oldest form of medicine known to humanity. Through the ages, various cultures have used different herbs in their practices of medicine. This has collectively made the inherited knowledge from the past generations very holistic in nature regarding herbal medicine among all the cultures of the world. Plants are an invaluable reservoir of a myriad of secondary metabolites, which are used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, flavorings, fragrances, colorants, biopesticides, and food additives [1,2,3] . The herb Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn (Malvaceae) is a glabrous shrub widely cultivated in tropical regions for ornamental purposes, showing multiple varieties characterized by an array of flower colors. In the realm of medicine, however, the variety featuring red flowers is predominantly favored [4] . Traditional literature confirms the long-known fact that Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaves and flowers are hair growth-stimulating [5,6] and anti-greying agents. The commercial herbal drugs for hair growth in India include extracts of various parts of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis [4] . Reports have been seen that the leaves and flowers are used to promote hair growth and to cure ulcers [5,7,8] . Flowers are also used in the treatment of arterial hypertension [9] and are significantly antifertility [10,11] . Reports have indicated that Hibiscus flowers are antitumors, besides being a versatile list of analgesics, antipyretics, anti-asthmatics, and anti-inflammatory agents. Various studies have confirmed the presence of antioxidants, antifungal, and antimicrobial activity in the flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis [12] . Research studies on extracts isolated from the stem, root, leaf, and flower parts of Hibiscus have shed light on the value-added role its phytoconstituents have in human well-being, notably through antioxidant effect, which would neutralize free radicals that cause DNA damage [13] . More recent scientific studies show that over 50% of the new clinical drugs come from natural sources. Many of these substances have significantly influenced the pharmacological industry and have been pivotal in the advancement of improved therapeutic modalities for various ailments [14] . This plant holds considerable economic importance due to its herbal products and medicinal applications [14] . However, because there is a scarcity of current pharmacological data, there is little scientific research or clinical trials relating to the chemical extracts of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, which might be useful for exploring its speedy potential medicinal applications.

Taxonomical classification

The following table shows the taxonomical classification of Hibiscus rosa sinensis [15] :

Rosa-sinensis Genus Hibiscus

Chemical Constituent

The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed that Hibiscus rosa-sinensis contains a broad spectrum of compounds, such as tannins, anthraquinones, quinines, phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, proteins, free amino acids, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, mucilage, essential oils, and steroids [16][17][18][19][20] .

In addition, cyclopropanoids, methyl sterculate, methyl-2hydroxy sterculate, 2-hydroxysterculate, malvalate, and beta-sitosterol have been isolated from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Most importantly, the predominant anthocyanin found in the flower was cyanidin 3-sophoroside [21] .

The quantitative phytochemical analysis of the flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis explained the presence of flavonoids, total phenolics, tannins, carbohydrates, proteins, thiamin, niacin, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, calcium, phosphorus, and iron [22] . The flower extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Red) contained phenols, alkaloids, and tannins. On the other hand, the flower extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (White) also contained phenols, alkaloids, and tannins, whereas the flower extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Yellow) showed similar constituents of phenols, alkaloids, and tannins [23] .

Class of Compound Chemical Constituents Bioactivity/Properties References

Flavonoids Quercetin, Kaempferol, Rutin, Myricetin Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, anticancer [24] Anthocyanins Delphinidin, Cyanidin Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, improves circulation, hypotensive effects [25] Phenolic Acids Caffeic acid, Chlorogenic acid, Ferulic acid Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic [26] Tannins Ellagic acid, Gallotannins Antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory [27] Alkaloids Hibiscine Antihypertensive, mild sedative [28] Terpenoids Triterpenes, Saponins Anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant [29] Organic Acids Citric acid, Malic acid Antioxidant, mild analgesic, improves metabolism [30] Sugars & Polysaccharides Glucose, Fructose, Sucrose, Polysaccharides Nutritional value, immunomodulatory effects [31] Essential Oils Eugenol (trace) Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory [32] Pharmacological Activities

The following table shows the pharmacological activities of Hibiscus rosa sinensis

Plant part Extraction solvent Pharmacological activity Therapeutic Profile References

Flowers Methanol, Ethanol, Aqueous Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Anticancer, AntiMicrobial, Hepatoprotective Used to treat fever, inflammation, and as a general tonic. [33, 34] Leaves Methanol, Ethanol, Water Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial

Used to manage Diabetes, improve liver function wound healing [35, 36] Bark Ethanol, Methanol, Water Antimicrobial, Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Antiinflammatory, Analgesic

Traditionally used in pain relief and managing diabetes. [37, 38] Seeds Hexane, Ethanol, Methanol Antidiabetic, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anticancer

Used for managing blood sugar levels and improving skin health. [39, 40] Roots Ethanol, Methanol. Water Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Antidiabetic, Hepatoprotective Used for treating infections, diabetes, and liver problems.

Conclusion

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is a versatile plant with significant botanical, medicinal, and economic importance. Its rich phytochemical profile, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and anthocyanins, underpins its wide range of therapeutic applications such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. The plant's traditional uses in various cultures align with modern pharmacological findings, highlighting its potential in herbal medicine and natural product research. Despite its extensive benefits, further in-depth studies are needed to explore its bioactive compounds, clinical efficacy, and safety profiles. Advancing research in these areas could pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic agents derived from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, contributing to both healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry

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