DOI: 10.5176/2315-4330_WNC18.201
Authors: Nutthita Petchprapai, Jutamat Yasiasat
Abstract:
Roselle is native to Africa and now widely naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Roselle has been used as a therapeutic plant for centuries. Traditionally, the extracts are used to treat toothaches, urinary tract infections, colds, conjunctivitis, sores and ulcers. People of various countries drink Roselle tea to stabilize blood pressure and lower cholesterol. To confirm the evidence support its benefits to health, we analyzed literature related to health benefits of Roselle. The following databases were searched for publications related to Roselle: PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus and Science Direct. A total of 50 publications related to Roselle benefits were identified. The main underlying mechanisms of Roselle and its isolated phytonutrients in diuretic and antioxidant activity were explained. The results as presented in this review demonstrate the role of Roselle and phytophenols in the prevention and management of kidney stones, lower blood cholesterol level and blood pressure, and antiviral, antibacterial and antiparasitic activities. Further investigations are required to confirm the safety and efficacy, therapeutic dose, and side effect of these Roselle compounds.
Keywords: Roselle; health; benefit; herbal medicine; antioxidant
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