Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle / Red Sorrel)

Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle / Red Sorrel)

Product Name: Гибискус сабдариффа, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Roselle, Flor de Jamaica, Oseille de Guinée, كركديه, กระเจี๊ยบแดง

Synonyms: Гибискус кислый, Каркаде, Суданская роза, Hibiscus, Rosella, Indian Roselle, Sauerer Hibiskus, Malvaceae Hibiscus, Flor de Jamaica, Rosa de Abisinia, Oseille rouge, Thé rose, كركديه سوداني, شاي الكركديه, กระเจี๊ยบ, น้ำกระเจี๊ยบ

Parts used: calyces, leaves, seeds, roots, calyces.

Main indications for the use of Hibiscus sabdariffa: Arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, steatohepatitis, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, chronic gastritis with increased secretion, irritable bowel syndrome of the hyperkinetic type, functional dyspepsia, infectious cystitis, acute urethritis, bacterial pharyngitis and tonsillitis.

Use of Hibiscus sabdariffa in mixtures and complexes: Iron deficiency anemia, chronic pyelonephritis, viral hepatitis, hypothyroidism, hypotensive disease, climacteric syndrome, migraine, obesity grade I–II, skin itching in atopic dermatitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, asthenovegetative syndrome, herpetic infection, tendency to thrombosis.

Pharmacological properties of Hibiscus sabdariffa: antihypertensive, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, diuretic, mild antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, angioprotective, antispasmodic, mild laxative, moderately sedative.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Hibiscus sabdariffa

Powder — Hibiscus sabdariffa

Indications (Powder): Arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia, obesity, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hyperglycemia, atherosclerosis, chronic gastritis with increased secretion, infectious cystitis, chronic urethritis.

Standard Dosage (Powder): The powder is taken at a dosage of 1.5–2 grams 2 times a day, 30 minutes before meals, with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 3 grams 3 times a day for resistant arterial hypertension, pronounced hyperlipidemia, steatohepatosis with impaired liver enzyme profile, insulin resistance syndrome, and grade III obesity.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): Up to 12 grams per day with short-term (no more than 7 days) use under the control of blood pressure and liver biochemistry in patients with life-threatening lipid profile disorders and resistant metabolic syndrome.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 1 gram once a day in the morning. Recommended for patients with a hereditary predisposition to arterial hypertension, initial stage of atherosclerosis, initial degree of obesity, during menopause, and with chronic fatigue. Course of administration — 30 days, repeated after 3 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): Use is permissible from 12 years of age with a body weight of at least 35 kg. Dosage — 0.5 grams 1–2 times a day, no more than 1 gram per day. Only after consultation with the attending physician. The child's gender does not matter.

Contraindications (Powder): Hypotension, first trimester of pregnancy, acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute phase. No scientific data on contraindications during the II–III trimesters of pregnancy, lactation, and in pediatric practice up to 12 years have been registered.

Side Effects (Powder): In case of overdose, episodes of dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, nausea, increased diuresis, and weakness have been recorded.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): For body weight less than 60 kg — reduction of the standard dosage by 25%. For body weight more than 90 kg — an increase in the standard dosage by 25% is permissible.

Preparation method (Powder): To prepare 100 grams of powder, 100 grams of dried hibiscus calyces are taken. The raw material is ground in a mortar or industrial mill to a fine homogeneous powder without foreign impurities. Sieved through a sieve with a mesh size of 0.5 millimeters. Packaged in an airtight container with a moisture absorber.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in a dry dark place at a temperature of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, away from sources of electromagnetic radiation. After opening, use within 30 days. Protect from moisture.

Extract — Hibiscus sabdariffa

Indications (Extract): Arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, steatohepatitis, chronic pancreatitis outside exacerbation, hyperglycemia, atherosclerosis, prediabetes, chronic cystitis, mild hypertensive crisis.

Standard Dosage (Extract): Dry extract at a dose of 250–300 milligrams 2 times a day, 30 minutes before meals. For liquid form — 5 milliliters (diluted in 50 ml of water) 2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Extract): Up to 400 milligrams of dry extract 3 times a day or up to 7.5 milliliters of liquid extract 3 times a day for pronounced hypercholesterolemia, initial stage of diabetic nephropathy, steatohepatitis with cytolysis syndrome, combined metabolic syndrome with grade II–III obesity.

Maximum Dosage (Extract): Up to 500 milligrams of dry extract 3 times a day or 10 milliliters of liquid extract 3 times a day under the control of liver biochemistry and blood pressure. Permissible for no more than 10 days in a row.

Preventive Dosage (Extract): 150 milligrams of dry extract or 3 milliliters of liquid form once a day in the morning. Recommended for patients with mild hypertension, initial hyperlipidemia, in the post-infection period, with chronic fatigue syndrome, and perimenopausal women. Course — 21 days with a 2-week break.

Pediatric Dosage (Extract): Permissible from 10 years of age with a body weight of at least 30 kg. Liquid extract: 1.5 milliliters once a day. Dry extract — 100 milligrams once a day. Gender does not matter.

Contraindications (Extract): Severe hypotension, first trimester of pregnancy, pronounced gastritis with reduced secretion. No scientific data on contraindications during lactation and in children under 10 years have been registered.

Side Effects (Extract): In case of overdose, dyspepsia, decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, a feeling of cold in the extremities, and increased diuresis are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Extract): For weight less than 60 kg — reduction of dosage by 20%. For weight above 90 kg — an increase is permissible up to 400 milligrams of dry or 7.5 milliliters of liquid extract.

Preparation method (Extract): To prepare 100 grams of dry extract, 500 grams of ground dry hibiscus calyces are taken, poured with 2 liters of water, and heated at a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius for 2 hours. The decoction is filtered, evaporated in a rotary evaporator to a syrup consistency, and dried in a drying chamber at a temperature not exceeding 45 degrees Celsius. The resulting powder is hermetically packaged.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Extract): Store in airtight packaging at a temperature of 10 to 25 degrees Celsius, in a light-protected place, without access to moisture. Avoid storage near sources of electromagnetic fields. Shelf life of dry form — 1 year, liquid — 3 months after opening.

Alcohol-Based Tincture — Hibiscus sabdariffa

Indications (Tincture): Arterial hypertension, chronic gastritis with reduced secretion, atonic conditions of the intestine, hypertensive disease of stage I–II, hyperlipidemia, asthenoneurotic syndrome, premenstrual syndrome, autonomic dystonia of the hyperkinetic type.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 15–20 drops per 50 milliliters of water 2 times a day, 20 minutes before meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 25 drops 3 times a day for pronounced astheno-depressive symptoms, persistent arterial hypertension, spastic colitis with impaired motility, and pronounced premenstrual syndrome.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 30 drops 3 times a day for no more than 5 days for high levels of anxiety, adaptation disorders, and climacteric syndrome with a hypertensive component. Mandatory under the control of blood pressure and the patient's well-being.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 10 drops once a day in the morning. Used for chronic fatigue, psycho-emotional stress, autonomic dysfunction, and mild forms of hypertension. Preventive course — 15 days, repeated after 1–2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): Not recommended for children under 14 years. For use from 14 years — no more than 5 drops once a day, pre-dissolved in 50 milliliters of water. Only under specialist supervision.

Contraindications (Tincture): Alcoholism, epilepsy, severe liver damage, pregnancy, childhood under 14 years. No scientific data on safety during lactation.

Side Effects (Tincture): Dizziness, decreased blood pressure, increased peristalsis, dyspepsia, possible drowsiness in case of hypersensitivity to components of alcohol preparations.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): For body weight up to 60 kg — 10–15 drops. For body weight above 80 kg — up to 25 drops is permissible in the standard regimen. More than 90 kg — individual adjustment by a doctor.

Preparation method (Tincture): To prepare 100 milliliters of alcohol tincture, 25 grams of ground dry hibiscus calyces and 100 milliliters of 70-percent ethanol are used. The raw material is poured with alcohol, infused in a dark glass container at a temperature of 18 to 25 degrees Celsius for 10 days, shaken daily. After infusion, the mixture is filtered through dense gauze and stored in a dark tightly closed container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in an airtight dark glass container at a temperature of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, in a place protected from direct light and heat sources. Shelf life — up to 24 months. After opening, use within 60 days.

Oil Infusion — Hibiscus sabdariffa

Indications (Oil Infusion): Hyperpigmentation, dry and flaky skin, age-related changes of the skin of the face and neck, decreased elasticity, microcracks, prevention of photoaging, scar changes of the skin, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, fragility and dullness of hair, follicular keratosis.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): Externally: apply 3–5 drops to cleansed skin 1–2 times a day. Rubbing into the scalp — 1–2 ml 30 minutes before washing, 2–3 times a week.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): Up to 10 drops on the area of active skin damage 2–3 times a day for hyperpigmentation, persistent dryness, rosacea, and non-inflammatory skin rashes. For hair — up to 3 ml for alopecia and seborrheic conditions.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): Up to 15 drops locally 3 times a day. For hair — up to 5 ml per application. Only with a short-term course of no more than 7 days under the supervision of a dermatologist or cosmetologist.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): 3 drops on the face and neck in the morning or evening. Preventive use is recommended for persons over 35 years of age living in regions with high solar activity, as well as with a tendency to dry skin. Course — 30 days, repeated after 2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): External use is permissible from 7 years of age with a body weight from 20 kg. Only for dermatological indications: 1–2 drops on limited areas of the skin, no more than once a day. Gender does not matter.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): Pustular skin lesions, individual intolerance, acute dermatoses of unspecified etiology. No scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years have been registered.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): In case of overdose, skin itching, hyperemia, allergic rash, and irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes upon accidental contact are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oil Infusion): Not required for external forms, however, for patients with body weight less than 40 kg, it is recommended to reduce the area of application to 5 square centimeters per session.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): To prepare 100 grams of infusion, 20 grams of dry hibiscus calyces and 100 grams of carrier oil (almond, jojoba, or sesame) are used. The flowers are ground and placed in a dry jar, filled with oil, then infused for 14 days at a temperature of 30–35 degrees Celsius in a light-protected place. The mixture is stirred daily. After infusion, it is strained through gauze and poured into sterile dark glass bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store in a dark, cool place at a temperature of 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, in a tightly closed container, without access to light and heat sources. Avoid exposure to electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — up to 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Rejuvenating Cream — Hibiscus sabdariffa

Indications (Rejuvenating Cream): Age-related wrinkles, decreased skin elasticity, photoaging, hyperpigmentation, dry and flaky skin, loss of tone, dull complexion, premature skin aging due to stress and environmental factors.

Standard Dosage (Rejuvenating Cream): Apply the cream in a volume of 0.5 ml (corresponding to the size of a pea) to cleansed skin of the face and neck once a day in the evening.

Enhanced Dosage (Rejuvenating Cream): Use twice a day: morning and evening, 0.5 ml on the face and neck, for pronounced age-related deformation of the facial oval, the presence of mimic and static wrinkles, dry skin in the menopausal period, and photoaging in patients over 55 years of age.

Maximum Dosage (Rejuvenating Cream): Up to 1 ml on the face and neck area 2 times a day for 10 days in case of pronounced skin dehydration, after insolation, and during post-peeling skin recovery. Do not use for more than 14 days in a row.

Preventive Dosage (Rejuvenating Cream): 0.25–0.3 ml on the facial skin once a day in the evening. Recommended for women from 30 years of age with the first signs of skin aging, residents of megacities, patients with chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, and hypokinesia. Course — 45 days, repeated 2 times a year.

Pediatric Dosage (Rejuvenating Cream): Not used in children. Use in adolescence is permissible strictly for medical indications (atopic dermatitis, post-acne), as prescribed by a dermatologist.

Contraindications (Rejuvenating Cream): Acute inflammatory processes of the skin, intolerance to components, fresh burns, open wounds, fungal infections. No data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation have been registered.

Side Effects (Rejuvenating Cream): Local reactions have been recorded: itching, redness, feeling of tightness, contact dermatitis in case of individual intolerance. Rarely — mild swelling of the eyelids when used in the periorbital area.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Rejuvenating Cream): Not required. However, in patients with increased secretion of the sebaceous glands, a 50% reduction in dosage is possible.

Preparation method (Rejuvenating Cream): To prepare 100 grams of cream, the following are used: 10 grams of hibiscus oil infusion, 5 grams of hibiscus hydrolate, 60 grams of oil base (shea butter, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil), 20 grams of water, 3 grams of emulsifier (cetearyl alcohol), 1 gram of preservative component (for example, benzyl alcohol with dehydroacetic acid), 1 gram of glycerin. All components are heated in a water bath to 70 degrees Celsius, combined and intensively stirred until completely emulsified. The mixture is cooled and packaged in sterile jars.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Rejuvenating Cream): Store in an airtight container, in a dark place, at a temperature of 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. Do not freeze. Shelf life — 3 months. After opening — use within 30 days. Do not allow contamination when taking the cream.

Salve Lip Balm — Hibiscus sabdariffa

Indications (Salve Lip Balm): Dry and cracked lips, inflammation of the cuticle, small cracks in the skin in the perioral area, prevention of chapping, peeling and irritation of the lips, irritation after prolonged exposure to the sun or wind, support of the skin barrier in cold allergy.

Standard Dosage (Salve Lip Balm): Apply to the lips and adjacent areas of the skin 2–3 times a day in a volume of 0.1–0.2 ml (single touch of the stick or fingertip — until completely absorbed).

Enhanced Dosage (Salve Lip Balm): Up to 4–5 applications per day in the active phase of peeling, cracks, and inflammatory changes of the lip skin caused by dry air, cold, or chemical agents (for example, after chlorinated water).

Maximum Dosage (Salve Lip Balm): Up to 6 times a day for no more than 5 days in a row for severe manifestations of cold injury to the lip skin, irritation after medical procedures in the perioral area (laser, peels), and herpetic itching outside the acute stage.

Preventive Dosage (Salve Lip Balm): 1–2 times a day, preferably in the morning and before going outside. Recommended for patients with sensitive lip skin, living in regions with windy and cold climates, with a tendency to chapped lips, as well as in the autumn-winter season. Preventive use is permissible year-round with breaks of 1 week after each month of use.

Pediatric Dosage (Salve Lip Balm): Use is permissible from 3 years. For children from 3 to 6 years — once a day in a thin layer, from 6 to 12 years — 1–2 times a day. Gender does not matter. Use under parental supervision.

Contraindications (Salve Lip Balm): The presence of open wounds, pustules, active herpetic infection in the blister stage. Individual intolerance to components. No data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation have been registered.

Side Effects (Salve Lip Balm): Allergic contact dermatitis, redness, burning or itching sensation in the presence of hypersensitivity. Cases of irritation of the oral mucosa with excessive use against the background of cracks are not excluded.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Salve Lip Balm): Not required. However, in children with a body weight of less than 20 kilograms, minimal application is recommended — no more than once a day.

Preparation method (Salve Lip Balm): To prepare 100 grams of the composition, the following are used: 20 grams of hibiscus oil infusion, 25 grams of shea butter, 15 grams of coconut oil, 10 grams of beeswax, 5 grams of cocoa butter, 3 grams of vitamin E, 2 grams of jojoba oil, 20 grams of mango butter. All ingredients are melted in a water bath at a temperature of 60–70 degrees Celsius to a homogeneous consistency, then poured into molds (lip balm tubes, sticks), and cooled at a temperature of +5 degrees until completely solidified.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Salve Lip Balm): Store in a tightly closed container, at a temperature of +5 to +20 degrees Celsius, away from direct sunlight. Avoid sudden temperature changes and proximity to heat sources. Shelf life — 9 months. After opening, use within 45 days.

Seed Oil — Hibiscus sabdariffa

Indications (Seed Oil): Dry seborrhea, seborrheic dermatitis, dullness and brittleness of hair, inflammation of the scalp, itching and irritation of the skin in stressful conditions, slow hair growth, atony of hair follicles, prevention of scalp aging and baldness.

Standard Dosage (Seed Oil): Rub 1–2 milliliters of oil into the scalp 30–60 minutes before washing, 2–3 times a week. For the face — 1–2 drops, distributing over damp skin once a day in the evening.

Enhanced Dosage (Seed Oil): 3 milliliters on the scalp 3 times a week for pronounced alopecia, peeling, and itching. Up to 3 drops on the facial skin in the nasolabial triangle and forehead area for chronic seborrheic dermatitis, in the evening.

Maximum Dosage (Seed Oil): Up to 5 milliliters per application on the scalp and 5–7 drops locally on the face. Use no more than 5 days in a row for severe skin reactions, including peeling and microcracks.

Preventive Dosage (Seed Oil): 1 milliliter on the scalp once a week. 1 drop on the face in the evening — when living in a metropolis, polluted air, and under stress loads. Course — 4 weeks, then a 1-month break.

Pediatric Dosage (Seed Oil): Permissible from 6 years, only externally. For hair — no more than 0.5 milliliters once a week, for facial skin — 1 drop no more than 2 times a week. Use under parental supervision. Gender does not matter.

Contraindications (Seed Oil): Individual intolerance, acute purulent skin lesions, dermatitis of unclear etiology. No data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 6 years have been registered.

Side Effects (Seed Oil): Rarely, itching, peeling, and a burning sensation at the site of application are noted in case of individual sensitivity. If it gets into the eyes, it causes irritation of the mucous membrane.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Seed Oil): Adjustment is not required. For body weight less than 30 kilograms, it is recommended to reduce the volume of application by 50%.

Preparation method (Seed Oil): To obtain 100 grams of oil, at least 250 grams of dry mature hibiscus seeds are taken. The seeds are ground and pressed by cold pressing at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The resulting oil is settled for 24 hours, filtered through a fabric filter, and poured into dark glass dropper bottles. Without the addition of preservatives and flavorings.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Seed Oil): Store in a dark cool place at a temperature of 5 to 15 degrees Celsius, in a tightly closed container. Avoid exposure to direct light, heat, and EMI. Shelf life — up to 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Hibiscus sabdariffa

Studies of the toxicological profile of Hibiscus sabdariffa confirm its high degree of biological safety. Within the framework of preclinical trials, the following parameters of acute toxicity have been established:

Upon oral administration of hibiscus extract to laboratory rats, LD₅₀ values exceeded 5000 mg/kg body weight, which indicates the absence of lethal outcome even at maximum permissible dosages. Similar results were obtained when studying the aqueous and alcoholic extract in mice — there were no signs of toxic damage to target organs upon administration of up to 2000 mg/kg.

Also, during 28-day subchronic toxicity studies, no negative changes in behavior, morphology of internal organs, biochemical and hematological parameters were recorded. This indicates good tolerability with prolonged use.

Thus, according to the toxicity classification, Hibiscus sabdariffa belongs to the category of practically non-toxic substances (Class V according to the Hodge & Sterner classification).

Reference: Akinmoladun F.O., Akinrinlola B.L., Komolafe T.O., Farombi E.O. Toxicological assessment of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx in Wistar rats. Toxicol Rep. 2017; 4: 378–384.

Pharmacodynamics — Hibiscus sabdariffa

The main pharmacodynamic effects of hibiscus are due to the content of polyphenols, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, which have high antioxidant potential, ensuring the neutralization of free radicals and protection of cellular structures through the activation of peroxide conversion systems (enzymes: superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase). Active substances inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme and promote the relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, exerting a systemic vasodilatory effect. Modulation of carbohydrate metabolism is also noted through inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which contributes to a slowdown in carbohydrate absorption in the small intestine. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action is realized through polyphenolic compounds that disrupt the integrity of microbial cell membranes and suppress cytokine synthesis through effects on NF-κB. A calming effect on the nervous system is present with a potency comparable to benzodiazepine agonists, due to effects on dopaminergic transmission.

References: PMC9033014; PMC5579700

Pharmacokinetics — Hibiscus sabdariffa

After oral administration, phytochemical compounds of hibiscus, including anthocyanins and flavonoids, are partially absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, including after metabolism by the intestinal microflora. Distribution occurs through the circulatory system; active metabolites are found in plasma and tissues, including the liver and kidneys. Anthocyanins undergo phase reactions (conjugation, glucuronidation) with the participation of liver enzyme systems, after which they are excreted in urine and bile. With transdermal use, extracts provide local penetration through the epidermis, especially in the presence of lipophilic bases, and with mucosal administration — through the capillary network of the nasopharynx. Enhanced absorption is possible when combined with fatty components.

References: PMC5579700; Frank et al. J Clin Pharmacol 2005

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Hibiscus sabdariffa

Flavonoids (quercetin, myricetin) and polyphenols (protocatechuic acid, gossypetin) act as inhibitors of COX and LOX enzyme systems, which leads to a reduction in prostaglandin production and a decrease in inflammation. Anthocyanins — delphinidin-3-sambubioside and cyanidin-3-sambubioside — competitively bind to ACE, reducing the formation of angiotensin II, which contributes to vasodilation. In addition, polyphenols activate endothelial potassium channels and inhibit the NF-κB and NLRP3 cascade, which suppresses the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. Cytoprotective effect is manifested through the induction of antioxidant enzymes and blocking of MAPK/PI3K-Akt, preventing apoptosis and endothelial damage. Neuroprotection is carried out by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase and regulating dopaminergic transmission, as well as by reducing caspase activation and oxidative stress in neurons.

References: PMC5579700; PMC7277581; Molecular docking PCA Molecules 2017

Synergy — Hibiscus sabdariffa

Research data demonstrate the potentiation of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of hibiscus when combined with polyphenolic extracts of green tea and terpene-poor turmeric extracts. Hibiscus flavonoids additively enhance COX inhibition and the antiradical action of catechins. In combination with vitamin C, an enhancement of peroxyl radical neutralization and endothelial stabilization is observed. When combined with omega-3 fatty acids, a pronounced protective effect on the vascular wall is noted through synergistic regulation of NO synthase and lipid metabolism. Combinations of hibiscus antitoxic polyphenols with hepatoprotectors (such as silymarin) enhance the total antioxidant capacity and reduce markers of cytolysis.

References: PMC5579700; MDPI 2021 review; Herranz-Lopez et al. Mol 2019

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Hibiscus sabdariffa

Hibiscus sabdariffa is traditionally used in the folk medicine of tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America. The plant is one of the most recognizable representatives of Afroflora, widely cultivated in Sudan, Egypt, Nigeria, India, Thailand, Jamaica, and Mexico. In the African tradition, especially in Sudan and West Africa, hibiscus is considered a universal plant — its flowers are used to prepare infusions and macerates used internally and externally. In the culture of the Hausa, Yoruba, and Fulani peoples, hibiscus decoctions are included in cleansing agents and are also used as part of ritual procedures associated with the purification of the body and spirit.

In the Middle East and North Africa, hibiscus, known under the name "karkade," has long been consumed chilled as a daily drink, as well as in the form of hot infusions during sacred or restorative periods. References to the use of hibiscus are found in Arabic phytotherapeutic treatises of the Middle Ages, including texts attributed to Ibn Sina, where the plant is classified as a substance that "balances heat and moisture."

In Indian folk medicine (Ayurveda), Hibiscus sabdariffa is included in traditional mixtures as a means of promoting the harmony of the three doshas. It was used both internally and externally: in the form of skin pastes, washes, and gargles. In some regions, including the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the plant is used in rituals of home purification, and dry corollas are used as offerings in women's fertility rituals.

In Thailand, hibiscus is included in the system of traditional medicine under the name "Krajiab Daeng." The flowers of the plant are included in complex collections for steam inhalations, wraps, and hot compresses. In the northern provinces, it is also used in home practices as a cooling and "heat-removing" remedy. In addition, the plant is revered in folk tradition as "soothing" in a mental sense — used in preparation for meditation and during transitional periods of the year.

In the Caribbean islands, especially in Jamaica and Barbados, hibiscus is considered a symbolic plant that is used in folk festivals, ancestral rites, as well as in rituals of purification of the body and spirit. Jamaican tradition prescribes the use of hibiscus in the form of red aqueous infusions for ablutions and for creating drinks that accompany spiritual ceremonies.

In Latin America, especially in Mexico, hibiscus flowers — "flor de Jamaica" — are part of everyday life as a culinary and ritual component. In local traditions, the plant is associated with the feminine principle and renewal, and was used in rituals related to the transition to a new phase of life.

Historical references to hibiscus are recorded from the period of the Egyptian XVIII Dynasty, where archaeobotanical finds indicate the use of the plant in ritual infusions. There is also an opinion about the use of hibiscus in plant balms used in the process of mummification and purification rituals.

In addition to medical uses, hibiscus in different cultures was used as a talisman: the corollas of the plant were dried and hung in dwellings for protection from the evil eye and to attract fertility. In the cultures of some Sahelian peoples, it was considered a "plant of balance," involved in the stabilization of the inner world and the harmonization of life cycles.