medicinal plants-hibiscus, roselle
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Medicinal Plants-HibiscusTRANSCRIPT
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Medicinal Plants-Hibiscus, Roselle
Galina S. Karman
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IntroductionQualities and UsePreparationPhysical CharacteristicsCultivationChemical ComponentsIsolation and SynthesisExperimental Applications in AnimalsExperimental Applications in HumansUse in IndustryInteresting FactsDefinition ListBibliography
Source: Copyright © 2008 Truestar Health & Healthnotes, Inc.Permission requested.
www.truestarhealth.com [8]
Introduction
Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. (common name Roselle ) is a medicinal plant in the Malvaceae family that originated inEgypt. Its original Arabic name is Karkade. Other common names are Sorrel, Jamaica Sorrel, Lozey, Cabitutu,Vinuela, Oseille de Guinee, Pink Lemonade Flower, Vinagrillo, and Afrika Bamyasi. [1] Hibiscus is considered to
be a tropical plant that grows annually. There are a lot of different varieties of Hibiscus seeds around the world,including India, Africa, Sudan, Jamaica, China, Philippines, and the United States. The largest germoplasmcollections are stored in Maryland and Australia. All the parts of Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. are used for medicinalpurposes, especially in alternative medicine.
Qualities and Use
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Besides the pleasant aroma and beauty of the plant itself, Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. possesses qualities of traditionalmedicinal plants and food. As a medicine, Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. is used as a therapeutic, a laxative, an
anticarcogenic, an antihypertensive, and a cholesterol lowering medicine. Also, it is exhibits great antioxidantactivity, lowers hepatoxicity and reduces fever. Hibiscus leaves and flowers can be used in medicinal applications
as a soothing reagent for cough, poor appetite and as an anti-bacterial reagent. Almost all parts of the Hibiscus
plant are considered diuretic and antiscorbutic in their action. Hibiscus flowers are also used in the production offood, such as yogurts, ice-creams, butter with a wonderful aroma, hot ad cold teas, and syrup. Also, the calyx can
be used as a preservative in different types of food, such as jellies and sauces due to the calyx's acidity.[2]
Hibiscustea is enormously popular not only for relaxational use, but also in various treatments. Hibiscus tea tastestart with cranberry-like notes. Hibiscus seeds are used in the production of vegetable oil in China, and sometimes
as a coffee substitute. Hibiscus root is edible and used as an apperetive and tonic in the Philippines. The fibrouspart of Hibiscus is used in the production of twine and cord known as "rosella hemp."
Preparation
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delphinidin, (delphinidin chloride), 2-(3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl)chromenylium-3,5,7-triol
chloride(UPAC) is a part of anthocyanin group
esculetin, (cichorigenin), 6,7-dihydroxychromen-2-one (UPAC) serves as antioxidant
The Hibiscus calyx is used mostly for food production and treatment purposes. The calyx is obtained from the plant
and processed to a dry consistency. In some applications, chemical components are extracted from dried calycesand then used in experiments or treatments. But for food and tea production, whole dried calyces and even leaves
are used as a raw component.
Physical Characteristics
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Hibiscus is a tall branched plant with a stem length of about 2 meters (6 feet) with large red to purple flowers. The
flowers have a berry-like aroma with a balanced tart flavor. In its Sabdariffa variety, flowers can be pale yellowwith pink circles on the petals. Both varieties of Hibiscus have poor quality fiber. The flowers are hermaphroditic
(posses characteristics of both sexes) and are propagated by insects. Hibiscus's leaves are alternate, glabrous,
long-petiolate, palmately divided into 3–7 lobes. Calyces can be different sizes but mostly differentiate in diameter(from 0.5 to 1.5 inches).[5]
Cultivation
Hibiscus should be planted at the beginning of the rainy season usually in April, but in August in Florida. Seeds
have to be planted about 1cm deep into the ground and about 50 cm apart one from another in order to obtain agood yield of large calyces. Manure and weeding will increase the calyx yield. Cuttings of Hibiscus can be used for
the cultivation as a parent source. The soil must be moist and well-drained but can be acidic or basic, light or
heavy. It requires significant sunlight but tolerate heavy winds and rains and temperatures ranging from 12.5 C to
27.5 C and a pH range from 4.5 to 8.0.[6] Hibiscus growth is also very sensitive to the solar calendar. It blooms
better during the short days with a less light. Blooms can survive for up to two months. Its total cultivating and
maturing time is approximately four months. Hibiscus is susceptible to fungi, virus and bacteria attack. There areseveral insects that attack it as well.
Chemical Components
There are three major effective agents present in Hibiscus:[13]
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cyanidin, (cyanidine, cyanidol), 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)chromenylium-3,5,7-triol (UPAC) is a
part of anthocyanin group
Protocatechuic Acid
(PCA) or Phenolic
Acid
Protocatecuic acid
isolated from Hibiscus
showed antioxidant,
anticancer and
antihepatocyts effects
in experiments onanimals and
humans.Moreover
presence of phenolic
acid in the plant
structure protect plant
itself from pathogenicmicroorganisms.[18]
In one study
conducted in it was
conluded that the blue
and red color of
flowers was due to the
alkali or alkali-earth
phenolic acid that wasforming oxonium salts
with acids.[16] In
ordrer to islolate
phenolic acid, ten
killogram of flower
petals of okra was
harvested, them
sepatrated into two
portions: red and
white. Then, 95percent ethanol and
0.1/HCl-95 percent of
ethanol were used to
extract white and red
Hibiscus flowers contain gossypetin, anthocyanin, and glycoside hibiscin, which have diuretic and choleretic effects
controling the proper level of blood viscosity, reducing blood pressure and enhancing activity of
intestinalperistalsis.[6], [8]Dried flowers contain ascorbic acid and have antiscorbutic effects. One of the benefitsof chemical components of Hibiscus is the ability to oxidize lipoproteins that can contribute to atherosclerosis if
present in the body in high concentration. Chemical components that contribute to the oxidation of phospholipids
are flavonoids, polyphenolics and anthocyanins. They act by diluting the concentration of waxy buildup in the
arteries due to the action of lipoproteins.
Isolation and Synthesis
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portions of plant
respectevely. After
several steps 1-
Butanol was isolated
that induced a
production of 1 mol of
quercetin and
glucose.Protocatechuic
acid was obtained bythe process of alkaline
degradation.[18]
Hibiscus
anthocyanins (HAs)
Cyanidin
Delphinidin
Isolation of
Anthocyanins pigments
was studied in 1917
by isolating it from
flowers such as
poppies, peonies andetc.Different colors
that were present in
the plants was thought
coming from the
reaction of
anthocyanins.
Willstatter was one ofthe sintists who
devided plants and
fruit pigments into 3
different groups
depending on the type
of anthocyanins
present. Two of the
groups were cyanidin
and delphinidin that
were isolated fromHibiscus today.
Cyannidin is one
Anthocyanin that was
synthesised by the
reaction ofguercetin
and magnesium at 35
degree
Celcius.Willatter was
working on isolation of
cyanidin from yellow
and red flower pettalsthat were 0.7 percent
and 13-14 percent ofthe dry weight.[15]
Anthocyanins pigments
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present in the plant as
glucosides mixed with
sugar.Isolatingpigments, flowers have
to be boiled in water
and then pigments will
precipitate (as lead
salts) following the
process of isolation by
adding lead
acetate.Lead pigments
are filtered,
decomposed by two
dilute acids (sulfuricacid).later, solutions
are boiled for several
hours in order to split
glucoside and less
soluble pigments that
filtered out.[19]
Today synthesis ofanthocyanin genes can
be done by such
procedures as protein
purification,
transposon tagging,
deffirential screening
and etc. Mutation of
genes during the
synthesis of
anthocyanincs waspossible, although
today mutation causing
genes can be isolated.
Synthesis starts with
malonyl-CoA and p-
coumaroyl-CoA. Both
coenzymes produce
tetrahydroxychalcone
from three acetate
units and with the help
chalcone synthase(CHS).In the next
step, colorless
niringenin product is
produced with the help
of chalcone isomerase
(CHI) and then
converted to
dihydrokaempferol
(DHK) with the help
of flavonone 3-
hydroxylase (F3H). Inthe next step
dihydroquercetin
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(DHQ) and
dihydromyrecetin
(DHM) are produced
when DHK get
hdroxylated by
flavonoid 3-
hydroxylase orflavonoid 3,5-
hydroxylase
respectevely. In the
siries of enzymeatic
reactions colorless
DHK, DHQ and
DHM converted to
anthocyanins. In first
enzymatic reaction
Leucoanthocyanidins
are produced with the
help of dihydroflavonol
4-reductase(DFR).
Two other enzymatic
reacions convert
Leucoanthocyanidinsto red cyanidin and
blue delphinidin
pigments.[17]
Organic Acids.
Ascorbic Acid
Organic acids such as
ascorbic acid(Vitamin-
c), oxalic acid, tartaic
and etc. were isolated
from the plant
Hibiscus. Ascorbic
acid was found to
convey a greater
pharmacoloogical
effect indicated in thestudies on animals and
humans. Hhibiscus
cold drink contain
great amount of
ascorbic acid. In
Charles E. Bills article
in 1935 ascrbic acid
was thought as
reducing substance
that relatively stable in
acid but get easily
oxidized in
alkaline.Bills obtained
extract from lemon
juice and converted it
to alkaline testing it on
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lighted photograph that
fainted black. Leter he
discovered that
Vitamin C (l-ascorbic
acid) was a substance
that apperred in lemon
and used it in his other
photographic
experimetns.[20]
Experimental Application in Animals
Experiments on rats and rabbits indicate several therapeutic effects of the use of chemical ingredients found in
Hibiscus. Dry flowers of Hibiscus contain ethanolic extract, chloroform soluble fraction (HSCF) and ethyl acetate
soluble fraction (HSEA) that were used in experiments on animals to examine its hypothetical theaurputic effects.
Ethanol extract of Hibiscus was used to examine its effect against cisplatin-positive rats. The result of the
experiment was positive indicating enchanced sperm motility coupled with an increase in antioxidant enzymes
proving its antioxidant activities. Another study was conducted using the rats with high cholesterol in order to
examine hypolipidemic effects of Hibiscus using extract of dry calyx. In this experiment, rats were subjected to six-
week treatment using dry calyx coupled with a high cholesterol diet. Results of the experiment indicate decreasing
formation of thiobarbituric acid, the substance responsible for decomposition of lipids and thus proving the
hypolipidemic effects of Hibiscus. Another experiment was conducted on rats dried Hibiscus flowers in order to
examine the level of liver toxicity (hepatotoxicity effect) after inducing liver toxicity through administration of
Paracetomol. Dry calyxes of Hibiscus contain special pigments called anthocyanins (HAs). Anthocyanins proved to
be a good agent against hepatoxins after treatment of water extract from dried flowers for at least four weeks. The
effects of chemical components in Hibiscus on high blood pressure was also examined using the hypertensive and
normaltensive rats using the calyx extract. Results indicate that calyx extract lowers systolic and diastolic
pressure. Also it was discovered that lower doses of calyx were better at lowering blood pressure due toobservations indicating death cases associated with a higher dosage of calyx. Also, Hibiscus was found to decrease
the rate of absorption of alcohol in chickens by subjecting them to injections with extract of Hibiscus.[1]
Experimental Application in Humans
Polyphenol-rich extracts (HPE) from Hibiscus were found to reduce the appearance of human gastric carcinoma
(AGS) cells by 50% among other cells used in this experiment. Anthocyanins found in dry calyx of Hibiscus were
found to cause cancer cell apoptosis in liver cancer treatment. Also, extract of dry calyx with water indicates
antihypertensive effectiveness based on a group study consisting of 30 to 80 year-old hypertension patients for
four weeks observations. Patients were exempt from any hypertension medicines for one month before the study
began. They were subjected to the treatment with a solution of 10g of dry calyx mixed with 0.51 g of water taken
daily before breakfast. Results revealed that calyx extract (anthocyanins) has antihypertensive effectiveness by
lowering systolic blood pressure from 139.05 to 123.73 mm Hg and diastolic pressure from 90.81 to 79.52 mm Hg.
Another experiment found that interruption in treatment with Hibiscus extract (sour tea) after 15 days of initiation
of experiment produce undesirable outcome of increasing both systolic and diastolic blood pressures.[1] The
recommended dosage for human consumption consists of 1.5g of dried calyces in 1 cup of water, brewed for 5-10
minutes and strained.[1]
Use in Industry
The most common use of Hibiscus in industry is the production of fiber extracted from the stalk. About 1,700 kg/ha
of fiber is produced from Hibiscus's stalk, which contains 5% fiber.[5] The fiber is used in the production of cord.
Also, Hibiscus petals are used in the production of yellow dye commonly used in medicine. Hibiscus seeds are used
for the production of cooking oil, with a yield of 20% by weight. [6]
Interesting Facts
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Since Hibiscus is a tropical plant, it grows well in Florida, especially its Victor variety. And for that reason it
carries the common name of Florida cranberry. In fact, sometimes it is even substituted for cranberry.[3]
Blogs.ibiblio.org Site rated Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. (Roselle) as high as the 3rd from 5 in its usefulness.[4]
Definition List
Antioxidant
A naturally occurring or synthetic substances that inhibit or retard the oxidation of a substance to which it is
added.
Anthocyanins
A group of FLAVONOIDS derived from FLAVONOLS, which lack the ketone oxygen at the 4-position.
They are glycosylated versions of cyanidin, pelargonidin or delphinidin. The conjugated bonds result in blue,
red, and purple colors in flowers of plants.
Diuretics
Agents that promote the excretion of urine through their effects on kidney function.
Calyx (Calix)
A flower-shaped or funnel-shaped structure
Antiscorbutic
Effective in the prevention or relief of scurvy.
Scurvy
A disease caused by deficiency of vitamin C and characterized by spongy bleeding gums, bleeding under the
skin, and weaknessSystolic pressure
The highest arterial blood pressure reached during any given ventricular cycle.
Diastolic pressure
The lowest arterial blood pressure reached during any given ventricular cycle.
Peristalsis
A movement, caused by sequential muscle contraction, that pushes the contents of the intestines or other
tubular organs in one direction.
Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances
Low-molecular-weight end products, probably malondialdehyde, that are formed during the decomposition of
lipid peroxidation products. These compounds react with thiobarbituric acid to form a fluorescent red adduct.
Bibliography
1. United Nations Industrial Development Organization, International Centre for Science and High
Technology: Database on Important Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. Retrieved on Thursday, February 25,
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2. King Tut Shop: Egyption Herbs: Hibiscus. Retrieved on Thursday, February 25, 2008 from
http://www.kingtutshop.com/Egyptian-Herb/hibiscus.htm3. University of Florida: Institute of Food and Agricultural sciences (IFAS): Roselle -- Hibiscus. Retrieved on
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Hibiscus+sabdariffa
5. Purdue University: Center for New Crops and Plant Products: Hibiscus sabdariffa L.. Retrieved on
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http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Hibiscus_sabdariffa.html
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Hibiscus+sabdariffa
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http://www.truestarhealth.com/Notes/4373005.html
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http://www.tropilab.com/roselle.html
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Isolation and Structural Determination of 13 Flavonoid Glycosides in Hibiscus Besculentus (Okra)".http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0002-9122%28196804%2955%3A4%3C431%3AIASDO1%3E2.0.CO%3B2-
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