Leaves of legacy: Unveiling the pharmacognostic, phytochemical, and antioxidant potential of Hibiscus acetosella leaves (Malvaceae)

Abstract

Cranberry Hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella) is a medicinal herb belonging to the Malvaceae family, known for its rich phytochemical profile and wide range of therapeutic benefits. Traditionally, it has been employed in treating Various ailments due to its anti-anaemic, antipyretic properties, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antigenotoxic, hepatoprotective, antimutagenic, and antimicrobial activities. Additionally, it is also utilized in the management of rheumatism inflammations, conjunctivitis, haemorrhoids, tumours, liver damage, treating ringworms, sores and abscesses. The present investigation was conducted on the powder microscopic and Pharmacognostical evaluation of both fresh and dried leaves of Cranberry Hibiscus. The results of pharmacognostic analysis revealed significant parameter that the following percentages were examined: (12.6%) total ash, (2.2%) water-soluble ash, (0.2%) alcohol-soluble extractive value, (10%) drying loss, (8.02%) sulphated ash, (0.34%) water-soluble extract, and (1.03%) acid insoluble. The primary phytochemicals screening of the ethanolic leaf extracts of Cranberry Hibiscus confirmed the presence of tannins, saponins, alkaloids, coumarins, terpenoids, steroids and flavonoids. These findings offer scientific validation of the traditional use of Cranberry Hibiscus and highlight its potential as a valuable source for the development of herbal formulation with therapeutic application, especially in the areas of antioxidant and antimicrobial treatments. Further studies may support its integration into modern Phytomedicine.