Althea
Hibiscus syriacus
Hibiscus syriacus is a flowering shrub used in various traditional medicinal practices. It has been historically applied to address conditions such as fever, diarrhea, headaches, sores, and skin issues like dermatosis, as well as for diuretic, stomachic, and vermifuge purposes. Scientific studies suggest potential therapeutic properties, including the ability of flower extracts to protect gastric mucosa and bud extracts to mitigate obesity in animal models. Some research also indicates that root compounds may suppress senescence markers and that certain treatments might address osteogenic dysfunction. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded.
- Traditionally for
- cold · diuretic
- Traditions
- TCM · Ayurveda · traditional
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- cold
- diuretic
- headache
- sores
- bleeding
- demulcent
- dermatophytosis
- dermatosis
- diarrhea
- fever
- hematofeces
- itch
- stomachic
- vermifuge
- vertigo
What the science says
- The study identified six new compounds from Hibiscus syriacus roots, including isohemigossypol conjugates and caffeoylated triterpenoids, which showed some suppression of senescence markers in cells.
- AH treatment reversed polystyrene MPs-induced osteogenic dysfunction by activating autophagy in preosteoblasts and zebrafish.
- Hibiscus syriacus flower showed protective effects against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage by modulating Nrf2/HO-1, AKT, and JNK pathways.
- The water extract from Hibiscus syriacus 'Pyeonghwa' bud inhibited adipocyte differentiation in vitro and mitigated high-fat-diet-induced obesity in mice.
- This study compared morphological and cytogenetic characteristics of Hibiscus cultivars, revealing differences in flower size, leaf shape, ploidy levels, and rDNA loci between species.
Frequently asked questions
What is Althea?
Althea (Hibiscus syriacus) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Althea traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Althea for: cold, diuretic, headache, sores, bleeding, demulcent. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Althea?
Althea appears in these traditions in our sources: TCM, Ayurveda, traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about Althea?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Althea; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study identified six new compounds from Hibiscus syriacus roots, including isohemigossypol conjugates and caffeoylated triterpenoids, which showed some suppression of senescence markers in cells.
How strong is the evidence for Althea?
The strongest finding for Althea carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Althea safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Althea in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Althea interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Althea in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Althea?
Althea is also known as: Гибискус сирийский, Hibiscus.
Is Althea 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 Hibiscus syriacus Bud 'Pyeonghwa' Water Extract Inhibits Adipocyte Differentiation and Mitigates High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity In Vivo. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Hibiscus syriacus L. Flower attenuates ethanol-induced gastric ulcer via modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1, AKT, and JNK pathways. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Anthocyanin-rich polyphenols from Hibiscus syriacus activate autophagy to reverse polystyrene microplastic-induced osteogenic dysfunction. literature abstract metadata
- T2 New isohemigossypol related conjugates and caffeoylated oleanane triterpenoids from Hibiscus syriacus roots with anti-senescence modulating activity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Agro-Morphological and Cytogenetic Characterization of Hibiscus Genetic Resources: Implications for Germplasm Conservation and Interspecific Breeding. literature abstract metadata