Abstract

PHARMACOLOGICAL AND THERAPEUTIC PROFILE OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L – A REVIEW

Sree Mahalakshmi Pasumarthy*, Ch. Maneesh, S. Poojitha, A. Mydhili, G. Muni Lakshmi, Ch. Nikitha

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Abstract

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (commonly called roselle) is a drug and food plant in Malvaceae. Traditionally, it has been of importance as a food and beverage ingredient as well as a natural cure in various cultures. The plant is wealthy in bioactive compounds together with organic acids (citric, malic, and ascorbic), anthocyanins (delphinidin-3-sambubioside), flavonoids (quercetin and luteolin), phenolic compounds, sterols, triterpenes, fatty acids, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and essential vitamins. Pharmacological investigations have shown that Hibiscus sabdariffa has been found to exhibit a variety of beneficial effects on health. These anthocyanins and phenolic compounds of hibiscus help in treating hypertension by relaxing blood vessels through various mechanisms like increasing nitric oxide release, reducing calcium entry into cells, and blocking angiotensin-converting enzyme. These combined actions induce vasodilation and also lend a slight diuretic effect, which in turn lowers blood pressure. For anemia, hibiscus helps in the formation of RBC, increases the hemoglobin levels, protects the cells from oxidative stress, and supports the process of normal blood function. improves the antioxidant defense mechanism and blocks α-amylase and α-glucosidase and prevents kidney damage by inhibiting the DPP-4. Additionally, Hibiscus shows potential anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects by influencing NF-κB/MAPK signaling, lowering cytokine levels, and causing cell death in cancer cells. Overall, Hibiscus sabdariffa offers valuable bioactive compounds with significant therapeutic uses in heart, metabolism, infection, blood, and inflammation issues.

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