Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.-An overview

Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. is an annual herbaceous shrub, cultivated for its flowers although leaves and seeds have also been used in traditional medicine. The calyces of the plant are used as a refrigerant in the form of tea, to make jellies and jams. The plant is reported to contain proteins, fats, carbohydrates, flavonoids, acids, minerals and vitamins. The plant has been reported to have antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, antihyperlipidemic, anticancer and antioxidant properties. The present paper is an overview on its phytochemical and pharmacological properties reported in the literature.