“HS leaves and calyxes have been used as an antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antioxidant, laxative, antispasmodic, diuretic, hepatoprotective, antianemic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antitussive, choleretic, antipyretic, hypotensive, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective agent.” - NIH
This means hibiscus has these properties:
- Antimicrobial: Fights bacteria, viruses, or fungi that cause infections.
- Antiparasitic: Kills or stops parasites like worms or protozoa.
- Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage caused by harmful molecules.
- Laxative: Helps relieve constipation by promoting bowel movements.
- Antispasmodic: Stops or reduces muscle spasms or cramps.
- Diuretic: Increases urine production to help remove excess water from the body.
- Hepatoprotective: Protects the liver from damage.
- Antianemic: Helps prevent or treat anemia (low red blood cells).
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces swelling and inflammation in the body.
- Analgesic: Relieves pain.
- Antitussive: Helps suppress coughing.
- Choleretic: Stimulates the production and flow of bile from the liver.
- Antipyretic: Reduces fever.
- Hypotensive: Lowers high blood pressure.
- Cardioprotective: Protects the heart from damage.
- Neuroprotective: Protects nerve cells and supports brain health.
Nutrients
Summary from DuckDuckGo AI
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Vitamin C: This is the most abundant vitamin in hibiscus, known for its strong antioxidant properties and immune support. It helps protect cells from damage and supports skin health journals.e-palli.com www.researchgate.net www.researchtrends.net.
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Vitamin A: Present in the form of carotenoids, it supports vision, skin health, and immune function. The amounts are modest but significant enough to contribute to overall nutrition journals.e-palli.com www.researchgate.net.
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Vitamin E: Found in modest amounts, vitamin E acts as an antioxidant protecting cells from oxidative stress journals.e-palli.com.
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B Vitamins: Hibiscus contains B vitamins such as B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and B3 (niacin) in smaller quantities. These vitamins play roles in energy metabolism and maintaining healthy nervous and digestive systems www.healthline.com journals.e-palli.com.
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Other micronutrients: While not vitamins, hibiscus also provides important minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc, which complement its vitamin content and contribute to its health benefits www.researchgate.net pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.