Indian-sorrel
Hibiscus sabdariffa
Hibiscus sabdariffa is a flowering plant used extensively in various traditional medicine systems. It is historically applied to address debility, dyspepsia, hypertension, digestive complaints, and infections, while also serving as a diuretic, demulcent, and refrigerant. Scientific evidence regarding its therapeutic effects remains varied and developing. Some studies suggest that leaf metabolites may exhibit antiproliferative and insulin resistance-ameliorating activities, and chronic consumption in animal models has been linked to reduced reactive oxygen species. However, research into its antibacterial activity via bioengineered extracts has shown limited results. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded.
- Traditionally for
- diuretic · demulcent
- Traditions
- Ayurveda · traditional · Unani
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- diuretic
- demulcent
- emollient
- refrigerant
- digestive complaints
- heart complaints
- hypertension
- infections
- scurvy
- astringent
- bilious
- cholagogue
- choleretic
- debility
- dyspepsia
What the science says
- The study found that bioengineered Zinc orthotitanate (Zn2TiO4) using Hibiscus sabdariffa extract showed enhanced photocatalytic and electrochemical properties but limited antibacterial activity.
- Chronic consumption of 6% Hibiscus sabdariffa for one month in rats reduces reactive oxygen species.
- The smart hot air rotary drum dryer preserved more total anthocyanins than the hybrid smart solar dryer at 40°C.
- This study characterized the metabolite profiles of Hibiscus sabdariffa leaves and found they exhibited antiproliferative and insulin resistance-ameliorating activities.
Frequently asked questions
What is Indian-sorrel?
Indian-sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Indian-sorrel traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Indian-sorrel for: diuretic, demulcent, emollient, refrigerant, digestive complaints, heart complaints. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Indian-sorrel?
Indian-sorrel appears in these traditions in our sources: Ayurveda, traditional, Unani.
What does the scientific evidence say about Indian-sorrel?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Indian-sorrel; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that bioengineered Zinc orthotitanate (Zn2TiO4) using Hibiscus sabdariffa extract showed enhanced photocatalytic and electrochemical properties but limited antibacterial activity.
How strong is the evidence for Indian-sorrel?
The strongest finding for Indian-sorrel carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Indian-sorrel safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Indian-sorrel in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Indian-sorrel interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Indian-sorrel in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Indian-sorrel?
Indian-sorrel is also known as: Розелла, Groseille.
Is Indian-sorrel a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Metabolomic Profiling of Taiwanese Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Leaves and Their Antiproliferative and Insulin Resistance-Ameliorating Potential. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Reply to Nguyen et al. Over-Intake of Plant-Derived Antioxidants, H2S Generation, and Reductive Stress. Comment on "Manzano-Pech et al. The Chronic Elevated Consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linnaeus Results in Kidney Damage Associated wit literature abstract metadata
- T2 Bioengineered Zn2TiO4 nanomaterial and its effective electrochemical, antibacterial and photocatalytic responses. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Roselle Precision Drying: Comparative Performance of Smart Rotary Drum and Solar Dryers. literature abstract metadata