1.Nutritional Benefits:
Hibiscus sabdariffa, also known as Roselle, is rich in vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. The calyces (the plant’s most used part) contain vitamin C, calcium, iron, riboflavin, and anthocyanins, which have potent antioxidant properties.
2. *Therapeutic Uses*: The plant has been noted for its antioxidant, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, and diuretic properties. Its bioactive compounds, including anthocyanins and flavonoids, contribute to these health benefits, making the plant effective in treating hypertension, liver damage, diabetes, and cancer, among other conditions.
3. *Medicinal Uses Worldwide*: Hibiscus sabdariffa is widely used in traditional medicine across regions like Egypt, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria. The plant is used to treat ailments ranging from hypertension and diabetes to promoting lactation and treating cancer.
4. *Antimicrobial and Hepatoprotective Effects*: The review highlights studies demonstrating the plant’s antimicrobial properties, effective against various bacteria, and its ability to protect the liver from oxidative damage.
5. *Applications in Food and Industry*: Roselle is used in a wide variety of food products such as beverages (e.g., zobo), jams, and desserts. The seeds are sometimes used as a coffee substitute due to their stimulating effects.
In conclusion, Hibiscus sabdariffa has broad applications in food, medicine, and industry due to its rich nutritional profile and therapeutic properties. The review recommends more research into its mechanisms of action and suggests its commercial cultivation for widespread use.