Hibiscus sabdariffa in Diabetes Prevention and Treatment—Does It Work? An Evidence-Based Review

Abstract

Diabetes is currently a global health problem that is already reported as an epidemic. This metabolic disease, characterized by a disturbance in the carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism, is often accompanied by disorders of several organs. Its treatment is expensive and often difficult to control. Therefore, it seems necessary to search for new drugs and solutions to facilitate therapy and reduce treatment costs. Herbal medicines are becoming more and more popular. Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle) is a plant that grows wild in a tropical climate. It has been used in folk medicine for thousands of years. Thanks to the numerous active compounds, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, organic acids, or pectins, it is reported to exhibit hypoglycemic, antioxidant, hypotensive, and anti-lipidemic activities and numerous indirect effects that are related to them. The aim of this review was to update the knowledge about the therapeutic effects of roselle in diabetes and its comorbidities based on in vitro, animal, and human studies. After a careful analysis of the scientific literature, it can be stated that roselle is a promising product that can be used either on its own or as an addition to the conventional treatment regimens to prevent or treat diabetes and its accompanying diseases.

Potential of Polyphenolic Compounds in Rosella Flowers on Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation After Exercise: A Systematic Review

“…is ripe (Figure 1) (Riaz & Chopra, 2018;Jamrozik, Borymska & Kaczmarczyk-Żebrowska, 2022;Wang et al, 2022;Sapian et al, 2023).…”

“…Glucose, mannose, xylose, rhamnose, arabinose, galactose and galacturonic acid make up the majority of sugars in roselle flower petals. Some authors also imply that in the petals there are triterpenoids such as α-amyrin and lupeol (Riaz & Chopra, 2018;Jamrozik, Borymska & Kaczmarczyk-Żebrowska, 2022).…”

“…The class of polyphenols that accounts for 80% of all polyphenol chemicals are flavonoids. The framework of this class of polyphenols consists of two (Jamrozik, Borymska and Kaczmarczyk-Żebrowska, 2022) aromatic rings (rings A and B) which are connected by three carbon atoms to form a heterocyclic ring C which has an oxygen atom. Flavonoids are divided into six subclasses, namely flavones, isoflavones, flavonols, flavanols, flavanones, and anthocyanidins which can be seen in Figure 3.…”

“…This compound is a powerful free radical scavenger with inhibiting glycation and scavenging activity against DPPH and superoxide anions thereby increasing antioxidant activity or reducing ROS to detoxify oxidative damage (Jin et al, 2022). Roselle can also be further studied as a pharmacological treatment to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease because it has been proven to have antihyperlipidemic, antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antihypertensive, and antifibrosis properties (Ratna et al, 2018;Jamrozik, Borymska & Kaczmarczyk-Żebrowska, 2022;Khongrum et al, 2022;Sapian et al, 2023). Therefore, we want to relate and discuss in depth the potential use of Rosella in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation after physical activity through a systematic review.…”

Effect of Roselle Flower Extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.) on Reducing Steatosis and Steatohepatitis in Vitamin B12 Deficiency Rat Model

“…The dose of the rosella extract in this study was 400 mg/kg BW. This dose was administered according to a study by Andraini and Yolanda in 2015, using the Hibiscus sabdariffa extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg/weight/day [ 16 , 17 ]. Their food intake was monitored daily, and theirweight was measured weekly.…”