Pharmacological Applications of Hibiscus sabdariffa L.
Summary
Hibiscus sabdariffa L., commonly known as roselle, is a tropical shrub whose calyces and leaves yield a diverse array of bioactive constituents. Among these are polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins, as well as organic acids such as hibiscus and citric acid. These compounds confer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive and lipid-modulating activities. Mechanistically, roselle extracts attenuate oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals, inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme to promote vasorelaxation, modulate carbohydrate-digesting enzymes to lower postprandial glycaemia and regulate lipid metabolism through PPARγ pathways. Preclinical studies describe anticancer effects via suppression of NF-κB and matrix metalloproteinases, while clinical trials indicate benefits in blood pressure control, lipid profiles and body composition. Formulation science has further explored encapsulation techniques to enhance stability and controlled release. Taken together, these findings underscore the global significance of H. sabdariffa as a low-cost phytopharmaceutical resource with potential applications in cardiovascular health, metabolic syndrome management, dermatology and adjunctive cancer therapies.
Research from Nature Portfolio
Recent investigations have evaluated a standardised combination of Hibiscus sabdariffa polyphenols alongside extracts from another botanical source in a randomised, placebo-controlled trial of overweight individuals. Daily supplementation led to significant reductions in abdominal circumference, body fat percentage and systolic blood pressure, accompanied by improvements in heart-rate variability. Mechanistic studies in adipocyte models implicated activation of AMP-activated protein kinase as a driver of enhanced lipid oxidation and reduced lipid accumulation. These outcomes support a role for targeted polyphenol blends in modulating energy metabolism and cardiovascular risk factors in human subjects.
Pharmacological Applications of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in pharmacological applications of hibiscus sabdariffa l. across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Polyphenols: A class of plant secondary metabolites with antioxidant properties that scavenge free radicals and modulate cellular signalling.
Anthocyanins: Water-soluble pigments in the flavonoid family responsible for red to purple colouring and endowed with antioxidant activity.
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK): A cellular energy sensor that, when activated, stimulates fatty-acid oxidation and glucose uptake.
Metabolic syndrome: A cluster of risk factors—including abdominal obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and insulin resistance—that increase cardiovascular disease risk.
Vasorelaxation: The relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, often mediated by nitric oxide or calcium-channel modulation, leading to lowered blood pressure.
References
- Hibiscus sabdariffa L. – A phytochemical and pharmacological review. Food Chemistry (2014).
- Organic Acids from Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)—A Brief Review of Its Pharmacological Effects. Biomedicines (2020).
- In vitro vasorelaxation mechanisms of bioactive compounds extracted from Hibiscus sabdariffa on rat thoracic aorta. Nutrition & Metabolism (2009).
- Antioxidant and Antiradical Activities of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Extracts Encapsulated in Calcium Alginate Spheres. Polymers (2023).
- Hibiscus sabdariffa Leaf Extract Inhibits Human Prostate Cancer Cell Invasion via Down-Regulation of Akt/NF-κB/MMP-9 Pathway. Nutrients (2015).
- Effect of the Combination of Hibiscus sabdariffa in Combination with Other Plant Extracts in the Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Foods (2023).
- Comparative Analysis of Water Extracts from Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Plants and Callus Cells: Constituents, Effects on Human Skin Cells, and Transcriptome Profiles. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
- Differential effects of a combination of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Lippia citriodora polyphenols in overweight/obese subjects: A randomized controlled trial. Scientific Reports (2019).
- Therapeutic Potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. in Attenuating Cardiovascular Risk Factors. Pharmaceuticals (2023).
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.