Hibiscus syriacus L.: A Critical Review of Medicinal Utility & Phytopharmacology with Mechanistic Approach

Abstract

Herbal medicine is an ancient form of medicine that has been used by humans for thousands of years. The vital systems of primordial medicines include Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and folk medicine and, the most developed and widely practiced medicinal system in India is Ayurveda. Hibiscus species are commonly shrubs, herbs or trees with many useful properties, of which H. syriacus is one of the prime species of the genus. It is endowed as the national flower of South Korea, commonly known as ‘Rose of Sharon’ and is found along valleys, open slopes, roadsides and sea cliffs. The plant species is used as a medicine in many diseases such as amoebic colitis, hemorrhoids, hemorrhoidal bleeding, migraine, headache, cold, cough, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, ascariasis, colitis, diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia, gas, stomach ache, hematochezia, ascariasis etc. Several biological activities of the plant are attributed to the presence of various active compounds like botulin, coumarins, fumaric acid, hydroquinone, is vitexin, linoleic acid, nonanoic acid, naringenin acid, Para hydroxybenzaldehyde, palmitic acid, Syracusans A-C, triterpenoids and vanillic acid. Some phytochemicals, including linolenic acid, palmitic acid, hydroxyhibiscone A, hibiscuses D, Syracusans A, pentacyclic triterpene esters, triterpenoid, nonanoic acid, anthocyanins, and others, are responsible for its biological importance like anti-cancer, anti-aging, anti-depressant, anti-fungal, anti-melanogenic, anti-oxidant, cytoprotective, neuroprotective, etc., Detailed information extracted by reviewing the medicinal utilities & Phytopharmacological properties, provide elaborated evidences for the application of H. syriacus in many ailments.