Roselle

Information
Application
Notes
References

Photo: aus Hänsel/Hölzl

Botanical name

Hibiscus sabdariffa L.

Family

Malvaceae

Common name

Roselle, Hibiscus, Jamaica sorrel, Red sorrel

Information about the plant

The importance of Hibiscus species lies in their ability to provide jute-like fibers (‘kenaf’). Hibiscus species are cultivated in many countries, particularly in Africa, where they are also used as food. For example, the seeds are roasted and eaten, the leaves are cooked as vegetables, and the red buds with their thickened sepals are used to make jams and drinks. Hibiscus flowers are also used for their sour taste in the preparation of soft drinks or teas. The species used for this purpose is Hibiscus sabdariffa L., known under numerous names such as roselle, Sudan hibiscus, Sudan mallow, sabdariffa hibiscus, among others.

H. sabdariffa is an annual, herbaceous, hairy plant that can grow up to 4 meters tall. Its upright purple stem is characteristic. The leaves are stalked: the lower ones are undivided and ovate, while the upper ones are palmate, usually with three lobes. The stipules are thread-like. The large flowers (up to 12 cm long, 6 to 7 cm in diameter), with five pale yellow petals and a dark brown base, stand individually in the axils of the upper leaves. The five-lobed inner calyx is dark red, 2 to 3.5 cm long, and fused into a pitcher shape up to the middle. The outer calyx consists of 8 to 12 narrow leaves up to 1.5 cm long. After flowering, both calyces turn red and fleshy. The stamens are fused into a tube surrounding the pistil. The fruit is a capsule. The flowering period is from May to August.

Medicinally used parts of plants (herbal drug)

The whole or cut, dried calyces and outer calyces (hibiscus flowers – Hibisci sabdariffae flos), harvested during fruit ripening, are used.

The commercially available drug is mainly imported from Sudan and Egypt.

Constituents of the herbal drug

Hibiscus flowers contain mucilage, organic acids (citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, hibiscus acid, and ascorbic acid = vitamin C), anthocyanins (which give them their red color), and flavones.

Quality of the drug

The quality of hibiscus flowers (Hibisci sabdariffae flos) is specified in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).

Medical applications

Recognised medical use

Hibiscus flowers are commonly used in ‘health teas’ as a mild laxative and for treating mild colds and catarrh. They are also used to prepare caffeine-free soft drinks and as an ingredient in fruit or herbal teas. They are included in tea blends as a decorative component, enhancing the tea flavor and giving a reddish color.

Traditional use

Hibiscus flowers have not been classified as a traditional medicinal product (Article 16a of Directive 2001/83/EC).

Herbal drug preparations in finished dosage forms

Cut hibiscus flowers are available for tea preparation.

Dosage

Tea: Drink a cup of hibiscus tea several times a day; daily dose 5 g. It is advisable to combine it with other herbs, e.g. lime blossom, ribwort plantain, or chamomile flowers (cold tea).