Common names | hibiscus, roselle, red sorrel

Scientific name | Hibiscus sabdariffa

Used part | Flower

Known active compounds | delphinidin 3-O-sambubioside, cyanidin 3-O-sambubioside

Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-oxidant, anti-wrinkle

Product name | Hibiscus Flower-APD, Hibiscus Flower-ANB

Plant Story

Hibiscus sabdariffa, commonly called roselle or red sorrel, is a flowering plant native to Central and West Africa. Hibiscus has a long history of use. It is thought that hibiscus was used for pharaohs to treat various ailments in ancient Egypt. Later, hibiscus was introduced to the Western world via African slave ships. Hibiscus has been used as a vegetable or in various beverages. Medicinally, hibiscus tea has been consumed to regulate body temperature, lower blood pressure, and support heart health.

H. sabdariffa flowers are a source of various phenolic compounds. Delphinidin 3-O-sambubioside and cyanidin 3-O-sambubioside were found as the major anthocyanins, and caffeoylquinic acids were also found. Hibiscus flowers are known to have anti-oxidant activity. Anti-oxidant activity of hibiscus flowers was confirmed by DPPH and ABTS assays. Hibiscus flower also inhibited collagenase, an enzyme that degrades collagen, indicating anti-wrinkle property.