Food use Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts have been used for a
long time as an ingredient in herbal teas and as a food colouring agent.
25,27
Hibiscus
sabdariffa calyces give a cool and acidic beverage. Delicious, it is
widely spread in East Africa and Egypt. In tropical America, Hibiscus
sabdariffa calyces is appreciated as very freshly juice prepared from
the cooked and pressing calyces. In Guadeloupe, a Roselle syrup is
traditionally served at Christmas day with some rum.
Medicinal use In
addition of the food uses, Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces extracts have
been used for a long time in folk medicine against many complaints : As
an external use, Hibiscus sabdariffa has antiphlogistic and antioedema
properties. These activities are probably due to the high level of
mucilage, which allows to advice herbal teas for the treatment of
eczemas and some allergies.
3 Moreover, herbal
tea lotion improve oily or devitalized skins, promote hair growth and
are used to treat abscesses.
23,25 As
an internal use, Hibiscus sabdariffa has among the most important
properties : astringent, blood vessels protecting, blood viscosity
decreasing, blood pressure reducing (Regulation of menstrual flow and
stanch excessive menstruation, soothing properties to relieve menstrual
cramps and relax spasms and general cramping), antifertilizing and
abortive, antiscorbutic, laxative, digestive and aperitive, tonic (in
treatment of functional asthenia and to facilitate weight gain),
soothing respiratory tract, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodidiac
properties.
23,24,25,31,24,28,29,32,33 Aqueous
preparations (teas) of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces, a beverage widely
drinked in Mali, are nowadays recommended in modern phytotherapia as
antidiuretic and antiseptic to allievate urinary tract problems and
cystitis, which may be attributed to the action of anthocyanins and
proanthocyanidins that prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder
wall .
17,30,34.
References