PDR for Herbal Medicines

394/HERB ROBERT

Hypotensive effect: Effects have only been described in

general reviews.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: The drug is used internally for functional

impairment of the liver and gallbladder, inflammatory

conditions of gallbladder and its ducts, inflammation of the

kidney and bladder, and calculosis. Folk medicine uses have

also included internal use of the drug for diarrhea. In

addition, washed fresh leaves are chewed or prepared as an

infusion or decoction used as a mouthwash or gargle for

inflammatory conditions of the oral mucous membrane.

External application is used to treat poorly healing wounds.

These uses appear plausible because of the tannins.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

Health risks or side effects following the proper administra-

tion of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: The drug is used internally as well

as externally.

Preparation: To prepare an infusion, add 1 dessertspoonful

of drug to 1/2 liter of cold water. Bring to a boil and leave to

steep.

Daily Dosage: Internally, the average single dose of the drug

is 1.5 g; drink 2 to 3 cups of the infusion daily, between

meals.

LITERATURE

Haddock EA et al., J Chem Soc Perkin Trans 1:2535-2545.

1982.

Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers

Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6

(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-

1994.

Karnig T, Bucar-Stachel J, PM 57:292-293. 1991.

Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Herniaria glabra

See Rupturewort

Hibiscus

Hibiscus sabdariffa

DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts of the plant are the
flowers.

PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Flower and Fruit: The flowers are solitary, axillary and

almost sessile. The calyx is red, the corolla is yellow, and the

anthers are blood red. The fruit is a 2 cm long, ovoid, many-

seeded capsule.

Leaves, Stem and Root: Hibiscus is a 0.15 to 1 m bushy

annual that is branched from the base. The stems are reddish,

almost glabrous. The basal leaves are undivided and ovate;

the cauline leaves are 3-lobed and 7.5 to 10 cm wide. The

lobes are 2.5 cm wide and crenate.

Habitat: Hibiscus sabdariffa originally came from the area

around the source of the Niger. It grows worldwide in the

tropics and is cultivated in Europe.

Production: Hibiscus flowers consist of the calyces of

Hibiscus sabdariffa (sabdariffa ruber variety).

Other Names: Guinea Sorrel. Jamaica Sorrel, Red Sorrel,

Roselle

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Fruit acids (15-30%): in particular hibiscus ((+)-allohydroxy

citric acid lacton), additionally lemons, malic acid, tartaric

acid

Anthocyans (intensive red): including delphinidin-3-xyloglu-

coside, delphinidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-xyloglucoside

Flavonoids: including gossypetin

Mucilages: rhamnogalacturonans, arabinogalactans, arabi-

nans

EFFECTS

Hibiscus tea has a laxative effect due to the high content of

poorly absorbable fruit acids.

Aqueous extracts of hibiscus leaves have a relaxant effect on

the uterus musculature. The drug also has a hypotensive

effect.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Hibiscus flowers are used for loss of

appetite, for colds that affect the respiratory tract and

stomach, to dissolve phlegm, as a diuretic and gentle

laxative, and for disorders of circulation.

Chinese Medicine: Preparations of the plant are used to treat

carbuncles, swelling and inflammation of the skin, scalding,

conjunctivitis and herpes zoster.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

Health risks or side effects following the proper administra-

tion of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Hibiscus sabdariffa is available as a

tea preparation.