Sylwia Beata Klasik-Ciszewska

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. – an ornamental plant with medicinal potential

2025-12-01

Introduction. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (rosa sinensis, China rose) belongs to the Malvaceae family and originates from China. It grows primarily as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical climates. Hibiscus is classified as a perennial shrub or small tree. The main part of the plant used is the flower, from which hydroalcoholic extracts are prepared. The leaves and roots of the plant can also be used as pharmacognosy raw material. The main groups of compounds present in the China rose include flavonoids, carotenoids, tannins, anthraquinones, alkaloids, terpenoids, coumarins, saponins, essential oils, mucilages, and steroids. The active substances present in the plant are responsible for its numerous pharmacological effects, such as antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, gastroprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Studies suggest that hibiscus may have adverse effects during pregnancy.

Objective. The aim of this study was to review the scientific literature on the potential uses of H. rosa-sinensis extracts. Attention was paid to the plant’s species diversity, chemical composition, and mechanisms responsible for its pharmacological activity.

Research Methodology. The literature review was conducted using the Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Forty-nine scientific articles were used, most of which were original.

Results and Conclusions. The review highlights the widespread occurrence of H. rosa-sinensis as a medicinal plant, both economically useful and planted for ornamental purposes. Attention is paid to the chemical composition of extracts obtained from it, taking into account differences that appear depending on the raw material from which the extract is made. Selected mechanisms confirming the pharmacological effects of hibiscus are presented, with a focus on its potential toxicity.

Keywords: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, hibiscus, flavonoids, anticancer, antioxidant.

© Farm Pol, 2025, 81(3): 185–192