Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON CHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF HIBISCUS SPECIES

Vaishna V. Chandran* Divya C. Arthi I. Rajagopal P. L.

ABSTRACT

Medicinal plants or botanical medicines have been used traditionally by mankind for the prevention and treatment of various ailments. The plants are the major source of various compounds that are widely used in pharma industries and other nutraceutical sectors. Hibiscus species has been used in many herbal mix and drinks. The phytochemical analysis showed that Hibiscus species contained tannins, anthraquinones, quinines, phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, protein, free amino acids, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, mucilage, essential oils and steroids. Pharmacological studies revealed that Hibiscus species possessed reproductive, antidiabetic, fibrinolytic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, immuno-modulatory, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, memory enhancement, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, ant parasitic, dermatological, anti-haemolytic, urinary, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antitussive and many other activities. The natural plant products are widely used nowadays because of increasing the burden of diseases. Hibiscus species (Malvaceae) is a plant which is widely distributed throughout the world. Its leaves, barks, roots and flowers have been used in the Indian traditional system as medicine to treat various diseases. The current review discussed the chemical constituents, pharmacological effects and therapeutic importance of Hibiscus species.

Keywords: Antioxidant, Hibiscus, Malvaceae, flavonoid.