Hibiscus rosa-sinensisHibiscus rosa-sinensis

Medical ValueMedical Value

Hibiscus rosa-sinensisHibiscus rosa-sinensis

Scientific ClassificationScientific Classification

Kingdom:PlantaeKingdom:Plantae(unranked):Angiosperms(unranked):Angiosperms(unranked):Eudicots(unranked):Eudicots(unranked):Rosids(unranked):RosidsOrder:MalvalesOrder:MalvalesFamily:MalvaceaeFamily:MalvaceaeGenus:Genus:HibiscusHibiscusSpecies:Species:rosa-sinensisrosa-sinensis

Binomial NameBinomial Name Hibiscus rosa-sinensis LHibiscus rosa-sinensis L

HistoryHistory

Hibiscus rosa-sinensisHibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn (family Malvaceae), known Linn (family Malvaceae), known colloquially as the colloquially as the Chinese hibiscusChinese hibiscus, is an evergreen , is an evergreen flowering shrub native to East Asia. flowering shrub native to East Asia.

It is also known as It is also known as China roseChina rose and and shoe flowershoe flower. It is widely . It is widely grown as an ornamental plant throughout the tropics and grown as an ornamental plant throughout the tropics and subtropics. subtropics.

The flowers are large, (generally red in the original varieties), The flowers are large, (generally red in the original varieties), firm, but generally lack any scent. Numerous varieties, firm, but generally lack any scent. Numerous varieties, cultivars and hybrids are available, with flower colors ranging cultivars and hybrids are available, with flower colors ranging from white through yellow and orange to scarlet and shades of from white through yellow and orange to scarlet and shades of pink, with both single and double sets of petals. Despite their pink, with both single and double sets of petals. Despite their size and red hues attractive to nectar-feeding birds, they are size and red hues attractive to nectar-feeding birds, they are not visited regularly by hummingbirds when grown in the not visited regularly by hummingbirds when grown in the Neotropics. Neotropics.

Generalists, (like the Sapphire-spangled Emerald, Generalists, (like the Sapphire-spangled Emerald, Amazilia Amazilia lactealactea) or long-billed species (like the Stripe-breasted ) or long-billed species (like the Stripe-breasted Starthroat, Starthroat, Heliomaster squamosusHeliomaster squamosus) may occasionally be seen ) may occasionally be seen to visit it, however. In the subtropical and temperate Americas, to visit it, however. In the subtropical and temperate Americas, hummingbirds are attracted to them on a regular basis.hummingbirds are attracted to them on a regular basis.

The The Hibisucus rosa-sinensisHibisucus rosa-sinensis was discovered and named by was discovered and named by Carolus Linnaeus. Carolus Linnaeus.

UsesUses Hibiscus flower preparations are also Hibiscus flower preparations are also

used for hair care. used for hair care. The flowers themselves are edible and The flowers themselves are edible and

used in salads in the Pacific Islands. used in salads in the Pacific Islands. The flowers are used to shine shoes in The flowers are used to shine shoes in

parts of India, as well as for the parts of India, as well as for the worship of Devi. worship of Devi.

In Indonesia, these flowers are called In Indonesia, these flowers are called "Kembang Sepatu", which literally "Kembang Sepatu", which literally means "Flower of Shoes".means "Flower of Shoes".

CompositionComposition

Flowers (Fresh weight) Flowers (Fresh weight) 0 Calories per 100g 0 Calories per 100g Water: 89.8% Water: 89.8% Protein: 0.06g; Fat: 0.4g; Carbohydrate: 0g; Protein: 0.06g; Fat: 0.4g; Carbohydrate: 0g;

Fibre: 1.56g; Ash: 0g; Fibre: 1.56g; Ash: 0g; Minerals - Calcium: 4mg; Phosphorus: 27mg; Minerals - Calcium: 4mg; Phosphorus: 27mg;

Iron: 1.7mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 0mg; Iron: 1.7mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 0mg; Potassium: 0mg; Zinc: 0mg; Potassium: 0mg; Zinc: 0mg;

Vitamins - A: 0mg; Thiamine (B1): 0.03mg; Vitamins - A: 0mg; Thiamine (B1): 0.03mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0.05mg; Niacin: 0.6mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0.05mg; Niacin: 0.6mg; B6: 0mg; C: 4.2mgB6: 0mg; C: 4.2mg

Fruit (Dry weight) Fruit (Dry weight) 353 Calories per 100g 353 Calories per 100g Water: 0% Water: 0% Protein: 3.9g; Fat: 3.9g; Carbohydrate: 86.3g; Protein: 3.9g; Fat: 3.9g; Carbohydrate: 86.3g;

Fibre: 15.7g; Ash: 5.9g; Fibre: 15.7g; Ash: 5.9g; Minerals - Calcium: 39mg; Phosphorus: 265mg; Minerals - Calcium: 39mg; Phosphorus: 265mg;

Iron: 17mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 0mg; Iron: 17mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 0mg; Potassium: 0mg; Zinc: 0mg; Potassium: 0mg; Zinc: 0mg;

Vitamins - A: 0mg; Thiamine (B1): 0.29mg; Vitamins - A: 0mg; Thiamine (B1): 0.29mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0.49mg; Niacin: 5.9mg; B6: 0mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0.49mg; Niacin: 5.9mg; B6: 0mg; C: 39mgC: 39mg

Leaves (Dry weight) Leaves (Dry weight) 0 Calories per 100g 0 Calories per 100g Water: 0% Water: 0% Protein: 15.4g; Fat: 3.5g; Carbohydrate: 69.7g; Protein: 15.4g; Fat: 3.5g; Carbohydrate: 69.7g;

Fibre: 15.5g; Ash: 11.4g; Fibre: 15.5g; Ash: 11.4g; Minerals - Calcium: 1670mg; Phosphorus: 520mg; Minerals - Calcium: 1670mg; Phosphorus: 520mg;

Iron: 0mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 0mg; Iron: 0mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 0mg; Potassium: 0mg; Zinc: 0mg; Potassium: 0mg; Zinc: 0mg;

Vitamins - A: 0mg; Thiamine (B1): 0mg; Riboflavin Vitamins - A: 0mg; Thiamine (B1): 0mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0mg; Niacin: 0mg; B6: 0mg; C: 0mg; (B2): 0mg; Niacin: 0mg; B6: 0mg; C: 0mg;

Medicinal UsesMedicinal Uses

Chinese hibiscus is a sweet, Chinese hibiscus is a sweet, astringent, cooling herb that checks astringent, cooling herb that checks bleeding, soothes irritated tissues and bleeding, soothes irritated tissues and relaxes spasms relaxes spasms

Astringent:Astringent: Produces contraction in Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.mucus, diarrhoea etc.

The flowers are aphrodisiac, demulcent, The flowers are aphrodisiac, demulcent, emmenagogue, emollient and refrigerant.emmenagogue, emollient and refrigerant.

They are used internally in the treatment They are used internally in the treatment of excessive and painful menstruation, of excessive and painful menstruation, cystitis, venereal diseases, feverish cystitis, venereal diseases, feverish illnesses, bronchial catarrh, coughs and illnesses, bronchial catarrh, coughs and to promote hair growth to promote hair growth

An infusion of the flowers is given as a An infusion of the flowers is given as a cooling drink to ill people cooling drink to ill people

The leaves are anodyne, aperient, emollient The leaves are anodyne, aperient, emollient and laxative. A decoction is used as a lotion in and laxative. A decoction is used as a lotion in the treatment of fevers[240]. The leaves and the treatment of fevers[240]. The leaves and flowers are beaten into a paste and poulticed flowers are beaten into a paste and poulticed onto cancerous swellings and mumps. onto cancerous swellings and mumps.

The flowers are used in the treatment of The flowers are used in the treatment of carbuncles, mumps, fever and sores. carbuncles, mumps, fever and sores.

The root is a good source of mucilage and is The root is a good source of mucilage and is used as a substitute for marsh mallow used as a substitute for marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) in the treatment of (Althaea officinalis) in the treatment of coughs and colds. coughs and colds.

A paste made from the root is used in the A paste made from the root is used in the treatment of venereal diseases. treatment of venereal diseases.

Other UsesOther Uses

The juice from the petals is used in China as The juice from the petals is used in China as shoe-blacking and mascara. shoe-blacking and mascara.

A dye is made from the petals. A dye is made from the petals. A good quality fibre is obtained from the A good quality fibre is obtained from the

stems. In warm sub-tropical areas the fibres stems. In warm sub-tropical areas the fibres can be up to 3 metres long, but in Britain can be up to 3 metres long, but in Britain they are likely to be much shorter. The fibre they are likely to be much shorter. The fibre is used for coarse fabrics, nets and paper. is used for coarse fabrics, nets and paper. Plants are often used for hedges and screens, Plants are often used for hedges and screens, though since they are not very cold hardy though since they are not very cold hardy they are not suitable for this use in Britainthey are not suitable for this use in Britain

The The HibiscusHibiscus genus contains several species, many of genus contains several species, many of which have been used medicinally. For instance,which have been used medicinally. For instance, Hibiscus rosa-sinensisHibiscus rosa-sinensis has been documented in the has been documented in the ancient Indian scriptures. ancient Indian scriptures.

Hibiscus sabdariffaHibiscus sabdariffa has been used as a folk medicine has been used as a folk medicine in Canada, and appears promising in treatment of in Canada, and appears promising in treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure).hypertension (high blood pressure).

Hibiscus cannabinus Hibiscus cannabinus has been studied to treat head has been studied to treat head lice, although there is currently insufficient available lice, although there is currently insufficient available evidence in this area. evidence in this area.

Hibiscus sabdariffaHibiscus sabdariffa and compounds isolated from it and compounds isolated from it (for example, anthocyanins and hibiscus (for example, anthocyanins and hibiscus protocatechuic acid) are likely candidates for future protocatechuic acid) are likely candidates for future studies. There is limited reported safety data about studies. There is limited reported safety data about hibiscus, although it is popularly used as a tea. Based hibiscus, although it is popularly used as a tea. Based on ethnobotanical study, on ethnobotanical study, Hibiscus tiliaceusHibiscus tiliaceus has been has been used throughout the Vanuatu archipelago to speed used throughout the Vanuatu archipelago to speed childbirth.childbirth.

Hibiscus sabdariffaHibiscus sabdariffa L., has been used as a folk L., has been used as a folk medicine in Canada.medicine in Canada. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Hibiscus rosa-sinensis has been has been documented to have been used for several ailments in documented to have been used for several ailments in the ancient Indian scriptures.the ancient Indian scriptures.

Anti-oxidants and Free Anti-oxidants and Free RadicalsRadicals Free radicals are highly reactive compounds Free radicals are highly reactive compounds

that are created in the body during normal that are created in the body during normal metabolic functions or introduced from the metabolic functions or introduced from the environment. environment.

Free Radicals are inherently unstable, since Free Radicals are inherently unstable, since they contain “extra” energy. To reduce their they contain “extra” energy. To reduce their energy load, free radicals react with certain energy load, free radicals react with certain chemicals in the body, and in the process, chemicals in the body, and in the process, interfere with the cells’ ability to function interfere with the cells’ ability to function normally.normally.

Antioxidants work in several ways: Antioxidants work in several ways: 1.1. They may reduce the energy of the free They may reduce the energy of the free

radicalsradicals2.2. Stop the free radicals from forming in the first Stop the free radicals from forming in the first

place or interrupt an oxidizing chain reaction to place or interrupt an oxidizing chain reaction to minimize the damage caused by free radicals.minimize the damage caused by free radicals.

Free Radicals are believed to play a Free Radicals are believed to play a role in more than sixty different role in more than sixty different health conditions, including the health conditions, including the aging process, cancer, and aging process, cancer, and atherosclerosis.atherosclerosis.

Reducing exposure to free radicals Reducing exposure to free radicals and increasing intake of and increasing intake of antioxidant nutrients has the antioxidant nutrients has the potential to reduce the risk of free potential to reduce the risk of free radical-related health problems.radical-related health problems.

The body produces several antioxidant The body produces several antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, that neutralize many types of free radicals. that neutralize many types of free radicals.

Supplements of these enzymes are available Supplements of these enzymes are available for oral administration. However, their for oral administration. However, their absorption is probably minimal at best. absorption is probably minimal at best. Supplementing with the “building blocks” Supplementing with the “building blocks” the body requires to make SOD, catalase, the body requires to make SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase may be more and glutathione peroxidase may be more effective. effective.

These building block nutrients include the These building block nutrients include the minerals manganese, zinc, and copper for minerals manganese, zinc, and copper for SOD and selenium for glutathione SOD and selenium for glutathione peroxidase. peroxidase.

In addition to enzymes, many In addition to enzymes, many vitamins and minerals act as vitamins and minerals act as antioxidants in their own right, such antioxidants in their own right, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, vitamin carotene, lutein, lycopene, vitamin B2, coenzyme Q10, and cysteine B2, coenzyme Q10, and cysteine (an amino acid). (an amino acid).

Herbs, such as bilberry, turmeric Herbs, such as bilberry, turmeric (curcumin), grape seed or pine bark (curcumin), grape seed or pine bark extracts, and ginkgo can also extracts, and ginkgo can also provide powerful antioxidant provide powerful antioxidant protection for the body. protection for the body.

Consuming a wide variety of Consuming a wide variety of antioxidant enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and herbs vitamins, minerals, and herbs may be the best way to may be the best way to provide the body with the provide the body with the most complete protection most complete protection against free radical damage. against free radical damage.

Active Constituents of Active Constituents of H.rosasinensisH.rosasinensis The flower contain substantial quantities of The flower contain substantial quantities of

flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, which are flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, which are associated with antioxidant, fever-reducing associated with antioxidant, fever-reducing (antipyretic), pain-relieving (analgesic), and (antipyretic), pain-relieving (analgesic), and spasm-inhibiting (spasmolytic) activities. Of spasm-inhibiting (spasmolytic) activities. Of the many polysaccharides, the acidic the many polysaccharides, the acidic polysaccharides show the most interesting polysaccharides show the most interesting properties. For example, they stimulate properties. For example, they stimulate specialized skin cells which would specialized skin cells which would presumably promote wound healing and presumably promote wound healing and these polysaccharides are also immune-these polysaccharides are also immune-modulating.5 6 There is also a high modulating.5 6 There is also a high concentration (15 to 30%) of simple organic concentration (15 to 30%) of simple organic acids such as citric and malic acids. acids such as citric and malic acids.

Complex extracts of hibiscus have Complex extracts of hibiscus have shown other properties in the test shown other properties in the test tube and in animal studies, such as tube and in animal studies, such as reducing skin cancer promoted by reducing skin cancer promoted by ultraviolet light, inhibiting herpes ultraviolet light, inhibiting herpes simplex virus, and lowering simplex virus, and lowering cholesterol levels. A variety of cholesterol levels. A variety of studies have looked at the potential studies have looked at the potential use of hibiscus for male and female use of hibiscus for male and female fertility regulation with mixed results fertility regulation with mixed results

Anti Cancer Effects of Anti Cancer Effects of H.rosa-sinensisH.rosa-sinensis

Hibiscus polyphenol-rich extract induces Hibiscus polyphenol-rich extract induces apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma cells via p53 phosphorylation and p38 cells via p53 phosphorylation and p38 MAPK/FasL cascade pathway.MAPK/FasL cascade pathway.

By By Lin HHLin HH, , Huang HPHuang HP, , Huang CCHuang CC, , Chen JHChen JH,,

Wang CJWang CJ..

Content on the next slide……Content on the next slide……

In view of the continuing need for effective anticancer In view of the continuing need for effective anticancer agents, and the association of diet with reduced cancer risk, agents, and the association of diet with reduced cancer risk, edible plants are increasingly being considered as sources of edible plants are increasingly being considered as sources of anticancer drugs. Hibiscus sabdariffa Linne (Malvaceae), an anticancer drugs. Hibiscus sabdariffa Linne (Malvaceae), an attractive plant believed to be native to Africa, is cultivated attractive plant believed to be native to Africa, is cultivated in the Sudan and Eastern Taiwan. Polyphenols had been in the Sudan and Eastern Taiwan. Polyphenols had been demonstrated previously to possess antioxidative and demonstrated previously to possess antioxidative and antitumor promoting effects. In this study, investigations antitumor promoting effects. In this study, investigations were conducted to examine the mechanism of the were conducted to examine the mechanism of the anticancer activity of H. sabdariffa L., Hibiscus polyphenol-anticancer activity of H. sabdariffa L., Hibiscus polyphenol-rich extracts (HPE). Using HPLC assay, HPE was rich extracts (HPE). Using HPLC assay, HPE was demonstrated to contain various polyphenols. HPE induced demonstrated to contain various polyphenols. HPE induced cell death of eight kinds of cell lines in a concentration-cell death of eight kinds of cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner. Among them human gastric carcinoma dependent manner. Among them human gastric carcinoma (AGS) cells were the most susceptible to HPE (0.95 mg/mL (AGS) cells were the most susceptible to HPE (0.95 mg/mL HPE inhibited its growth by 50%). Our results revealed that HPE inhibited its growth by 50%). Our results revealed that AGS cells underwent DNA fragmentation, and had an AGS cells underwent DNA fragmentation, and had an increase in the distribution of hypodiploid phase (apoptotic increase in the distribution of hypodiploid phase (apoptotic peak, 52.36%) after a 24-h treatment with HPE (2.0 mg/mL). peak, 52.36%) after a 24-h treatment with HPE (2.0 mg/mL). This effect of HPE in AGS cells might be mediated via p53 This effect of HPE in AGS cells might be mediated via p53 signaling and p38 MAPK/FasL cascade pathway, as signaling and p38 MAPK/FasL cascade pathway, as demonstrated by an increase in the phosphorylation of p53 demonstrated by an increase in the phosphorylation of p53 and the usage of a specific p38 inhibitor, SB203580. Thus, and the usage of a specific p38 inhibitor, SB203580. Thus, our data present the first evidence of HPE as an apoptosis our data present the first evidence of HPE as an apoptosis inducer in AGS cells and these findings may open interesting inducer in AGS cells and these findings may open interesting perspectives to the strategy in human gastric cancer perspectives to the strategy in human gastric cancer treatment.treatment.

ROSEHIP & HIBISICUSROSEHIP & HIBISICUS Usually consists of 70% Hibiscus and 30 % Usually consists of 70% Hibiscus and 30 %

Rosehip. Hibiscus  (Hibisci flos) originated in Rosehip. Hibiscus  (Hibisci flos) originated in Angola but is now cultivated throughout the  Angola but is now cultivated throughout the  tropics. It is an annual herbaceous plant with tropics. It is an annual herbaceous plant with lobed leaves that grows  to a height of 5 m. lobed leaves that grows  to a height of 5 m. Flowers with a 5-lobed calyx and divided Flowers with a 5-lobed calyx and divided epicalyx.  Hibiscus for infusions is epicalyx.  Hibiscus for infusions is manufactured form the dried calyxes manufactured form the dried calyxes harvested  from the fruit of the species. harvested  from the fruit of the species.

It is principally taken as a caffeine-free It is principally taken as a caffeine-free refreshing drink taken in  large amounts refreshing drink taken in  large amounts because of the plant acids. The plant acids because of the plant acids. The plant acids which are  difficult to absorb act as a mild which are  difficult to absorb act as a mild laxative. laxative.

Hibiscus has been extensively used Hibiscus has been extensively used in the African Folk medicine. The  in the African Folk medicine. The  drug is ascribed, among other things, drug is ascribed, among other things, spasmolytic, antibacterial,  spasmolytic, antibacterial,  cholagogic, diuretic and anthelmintic cholagogic, diuretic and anthelmintic properties. Studies have shown  properties. Studies have shown  aqueous extracts of hibiscus flowers aqueous extracts of hibiscus flowers relaxes the muscles of the uterus  relaxes the muscles of the uterus  and to lower the blood pressure.  and to lower the blood pressure. 

Rosehip is derived from the plant Rosae Rosehip is derived from the plant Rosae pseudofructus. It is a shrub  that grows up to a pseudofructus. It is a shrub  that grows up to a height of 5 m with thorn branches with flowers height of 5 m with thorn branches with flowers close  to 5 cm in diameter with five petals.  The close  to 5 cm in diameter with five petals.  The drug consists of the  dried hypanthia from various drug consists of the  dried hypanthia from various species of the genus Rosa with the fruit  enclosed species of the genus Rosa with the fruit  enclosed in them. Rosehip is native to Europe, Western and in them. Rosehip is native to Europe, Western and Central Asia,  and North Africa but now it is Central Asia,  and North Africa but now it is cultivated in Chile, Bulgaria, Romania,  China and cultivated in Chile, Bulgaria, Romania,  China and Hungary. It was used in folk medicine as a result Hungary. It was used in folk medicine as a result of its  diuretic and laxative action due to the pectin of its  diuretic and laxative action due to the pectin and the plant acid  content. Due to its high content and the plant acid  content. Due to its high content of vitamin C Rosehip are used as  breakfast teas. of vitamin C Rosehip are used as  breakfast teas.

Leaves and Flower of H.rosa-sinensisLeaves and Flower of H.rosa-sinensis

Further ResearchFurther Research This study would focus on antioxidant effects of This study would focus on antioxidant effects of

H.rosasinensis. The medicinal values of H.rosasinensis. The medicinal values of H.rosasinensis have been discussed in ancient H.rosasinensis have been discussed in ancient scriptures. A research group of healthy individuals scriptures. A research group of healthy individuals and people who are at high risk of cancer may be and people who are at high risk of cancer may be included in this study to evaluate the anti-oxidant included in this study to evaluate the anti-oxidant effects. effects.

Since, the research wants to focus on obesity, Since, the research wants to focus on obesity, prediabetes and cancer risk, one of the research prediabetes and cancer risk, one of the research groups would fall under the following categoriesgroups would fall under the following categories

1.1. Age group 30 -50Age group 30 -502.2. Positive family history of diabetes and hypertensionPositive family history of diabetes and hypertension3.3. Prediabetic (IGT – Impaired Glucose Tolerance)Prediabetic (IGT – Impaired Glucose Tolerance)

continued…..continued…..

Whereas the other two groups Whereas the other two groups would be would be

1.1. Normal or healthy individuals Normal or healthy individuals who would serve as control groupwho would serve as control group

2.2. The third group contains people The third group contains people who would be either diabetic or who would be either diabetic or people who are screened positive people who are screened positive for cancer or bothfor cancer or both..

Extracts from leaves, flowers, Extracts from leaves, flowers, root and stem would be tried root and stem would be tried individually in the clinical trial individually in the clinical trial supported by animal model. supported by animal model.

The main objective of this The main objective of this research would be research would be

1.1. to separate the active component to separate the active component

2.2. to know the dose to know the dose

3.3. the synergic effects with Amla.the synergic effects with Amla.

The effects of different doses of The effects of different doses of H.rosasinensis extracts have studies on the H.rosasinensis extracts have studies on the different study groups.different study groups.

The LD50 of Hibiscus sabdariffa l. extract was found to be above 5000mgkg-1. So, a daily uptake of up to 1 gm may be allowed in the study group in varying concentrations.

Hibiscus grows in tropical areas throughout the world, Hibiscus grows in tropical areas throughout the world, and has been used not just as an ornament, but also and has been used not just as an ornament, but also medicinally for centuries. The part of this plant used medicinally for centuries. The part of this plant used medicinally is the flower. The Hibiscus flower is made medicinally is the flower. The Hibiscus flower is made into a tea in numerous cultures throughout the world. into a tea in numerous cultures throughout the world. Hibiscus has a mild flavor and has many culinary Hibiscus has a mild flavor and has many culinary uses. uses.

Action:Action:1.Hibiscus was used by the Chinese to treat dandruff 1.Hibiscus was used by the Chinese to treat dandruff and stimulate hair growth. and stimulate hair growth. 2.Hibiscus has also been used to treat hemorrhoids 2.Hibiscus has also been used to treat hemorrhoids and wounds.and wounds.3.Recent research has shown that Hibiscus may have 3.Recent research has shown that Hibiscus may have antibacterial properties. antibacterial properties. 4.It is a mild laxative and it contains Vitamin C and 4.It is a mild laxative and it contains Vitamin C and malic acid. malic acid. 5.Hibiscus has also been shown to relax the uterus 5.Hibiscus has also been shown to relax the uterus and reduce blood pressure.and reduce blood pressure.6.Hibiscus has also been used for indigestion and loss 6.Hibiscus has also been used for indigestion and loss of appetite, as well as for colds, respiratory problems, of appetite, as well as for colds, respiratory problems, and circulation disorders. and circulation disorders.