Phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological aspects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L.: a review

This article reviews the reported phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (English: roselle, red sorrel; Arabic: karkade), the calyces of which are used in many parts of the world to make cold and hot drinks. Nutritionally, these contain ascorbic acid (v...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Phytotherapy research 2005-05, Vol.19 (5), p.369-375
Main Authors: Ali, B.H, Wabel, N.A, Blunden, G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
anthocyanins
Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology
anticancer
antioxidant
Antioxidants - chemistry
Antioxidants - pharmacology
Antioxidants - toxicity
Biological and medical sciences
General pharmacology
glycinebetaine
Hibiscus
Hibiscus protocatechuic acid
Hibiscus sabdariffa
Humans
Lethal Dose 50
Medical sciences
Pharmacognosy. Homeopathy. Health food
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
Phytotherapy
Plant Components, Aerial
Plant Extracts - chemistry
Plant Extracts - pharmacology
Plant Extracts - toxicity
Plant Oils - pharmacology
Rabbits
Rats
Seeds
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Summary:This article reviews the reported phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (English: roselle, red sorrel; Arabic: karkade), the calyces of which are used in many parts of the world to make cold and hot drinks. Nutritionally, these contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C). In folk medicine, the calyx extracts are used for the treatment of several complaints, including high blood pressure, liver diseases and fever. The pharmacological actions of the calyx extracts include strong in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity. In rats and rabbits, the extract showed antihypercholesterolaemic, antinociceptive and antipyretic, but not antiinflammatory activities. In rat and man a strong antihypertensive action has been demonstrated. The effects of the calyx extracts on smooth muscles in vitro are variable, but they mostly inhibit the tone of the isolated muscles. In healthy men, consumption of H. sabdariffa has resulted in significant decreases in the urinary concentrations of creatinine, uric acid, citrate, tartrate, calcium, sodium, potassium and phosphate, but not oxalate. Oil extracted from the plant's seeds has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on some bacteria and fungi in vitro. The plant extracts are characterized by a very low degree of toxicity. The LD50 of H. sabdariffa calyx extract in rats was found to be above 5000 mg/kg. A single report has suggested that excessive doses for relatively long periods could have a deleterious effect on the testes of rats. In view of its reported nutritional and pharmacological properties and relative safety, H. sabdariffa and compounds isolated from it (for example, anthocyanins and Hibiscus protocatechuic acid) could be a source of therapeutically useful products. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ISSN:0951-418X
1099-1573
DOI:10.1002/ptr.1628