Phyto-chemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.-A Review

In present study the literature available on Phyto-chemistry and pharmacological activities of plant Hibiscus Sabdariffa Linn. has been studied extensively to review the scientific data in this paper. Major chemical components of the plant Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. are steroids, hibiscin, tannins, carbohydrates and flavonoids. It is being used as herbal drink in the form of hot and cold beverages, as a flavoring agent in the food industry as it contains mallic acid, anthocyanins, ascorbic acid and minerals, especially calcium and iron. Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. is a good antioxidant as it is rich in phenolic compounds. Hibiscus Sabdariffa Linn. is being used in the treatment of various diseases like liver, renal, neurological, diabetes, cardiovascular and cancer. It is one of the most important constituents among the widely used herbal formulations as it has wide ethno medicinal use. Leaves of this plant are used orally for the treatment of stomachic and as an emollient externally. They are mainly used as ant-diuretic and anthelmentic. Its decoction is used in the treatment of cough and high blood pressure.