Hibiscus – A Fortune Of Antioxidants

scientific name : Hibiscus rosa common name : hibiscus uses : promotes weight loss, reduce the growth of bacteria and cancer cells, and support the health of the heart and liver.

Introduction:

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn., also known as Rose-of-China or Shoeflower, is a plant native to China but widely grown in gardens throughout India.

Belonging to the Malvaceae family, this plant has been used in traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha/Tamil for its various health benefits.

Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants and it promotes weight loss, reduce the growth of bacteria and cancer cells, and support the health of the heart and liver.

In this article, we will explore the medicinal properties and uses of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn., along with its active compounds and dosage recommendations.

Names And Habitat Of Hibiscus

Hibiscus syriacus Linn. (Rose of Sharon or Shrubby Althaea) is often equated with the white-flowered variety of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. cultivated in gardens throughout India.

The white flowers of Hibiscus syriacus Linn. have been used as a demulcent and antidiarrheal agent.

The bud of this variety yields mucilage, primarily composed of partially acetylated acidic polysaccharides.

Medicinal Uses Of Hibiscus

1. Impotency and Bronchial Catarrh:
The flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. are used traditionally to treat impotency and bronchial catarrh. Their therapeutic effects in these conditions have been observed and documented.

2. Emmenagogue:
Both the flowers and bark of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. have emmenagogue properties, meaning they can stimulate and promote menstrual flow. This can be beneficial for women experiencing irregular or delayed menstruation.

3. Expulsion of Placenta after Childbirth:
The leaves of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. are known to stimulate the expulsion of the placenta after childbirth. This property can aid in a smooth delivery and postpartum recovery.

4. Laxative and Anodyne:
The leaves of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. have a laxative effect, promoting bowel movements and relieving constipation. They also possess anodyne properties, providing pain relief.

5. Menorrhagia:
The flowers and roots of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. have been used in the treatment of menorrhagia, a condition characterized by heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.

scientific name : Hibiscus rosacommon name : hibiscus uses : promotes weight loss, reduce the growth of bacteria and cancer cells, and support the health of the heart and liver.
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Active Compounds Of Hibiscus

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. contains various active compounds that contribute to its medicinal properties. These include cyclopropanoids such as methyl sterculate, methyl2-hydroxysterculate, 2-hydroxysterculate, malvalate, and beta-sitosterol.

The major anthocyanin present in the flower is cyanidin 3-sophoroside. The flower nectar is rich in amino acids, particularly aspartic acid and asparagine. The concentration of amino acids increases during pollination.

Health Benefits Of Hibiscus

1. Anti-Inflammatory Activity:
A study conducted on male albino rats showed that the flower powder of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. exhibited anti-inflammatory activity, reducing rat paw edema induced by carrageenan.

2. Antitumor Activity:
The aqueous extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. has shown antitumor activity against sarcoma 180 ascites cells. This indicates its potential in the treatment of certain types of cancer.

3. Regulation of Estrus Cycle:
An aqueous extract of the flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. was found to reduce the duration of the estrus cycle in experimental albino rabbits. This suggests its potential for regulating reproductive processes.

4. Antiimplantation Activity:
The alcoholic extract of the flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. exhibited antiimplantation activity, indicating its potential as a contraceptive agent.

5. Effects on Spermatogenesis and Endocrine Function:
Oral administration of a flower extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. to rats affected spermatogenesis and endocrine function of the testis. This suggests a potential role in male reproductive health.

6. Blood Sugar Regulation:
In diabetic patients, a flower bud of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. is given daily for up to 10 days or until the level of blood sugar is reduced to tolerable limits. This indicates its potential in managing diabetes.

Conclusion:

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn., also known as Rose-of-China or Shoeflower, is a plant with significant medicinal properties.

Its flowers, leaves, and roots have been traditionally used in the treatment of various conditions, including impotency, bronchial catarrh, menstrual disorders, and more.

The plant contains active compounds such as cyclopropanoids, anthocyanins, and aminoacids. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and blood sugar-regulating activities, among others.

Overall, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. is a valuable medicinal plant with numerous health benefits.

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Isabgol – Your Gut Deserves The Best

scientific name : Plantago ovata common name : isabgol uses : constipation, amoebic dysentery, hypercholestermia

Introduction

Isabgol (Plantago ovata Forsk), also known as Ispaghula or Blond Psyllium, belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. This plant is known for its numerous medicinal properties. The seeds and husk of Plantago ovata have laxative, diuretic, demulcent, bechic, and cholinergic actions. They are commonly used to treat constipation and inflammatory conditions of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts, chronic amoebic and bacillary dysentery, and hypercholesterolemia.

Names and Habitat Of Isabgol

It is cultivated in certain parts of Rajasthan and Maharashtra. In Ayurveda, it is known as Ashvagola or Ashwakarna (also associated with Shorea robusta).

In Unani, it is called Aspaghol, while in Siddha/Tamil, it is known as Isapppa. Folk traditions refer to it as Isabgol.

Applications Of Isabol

One of the key applications of Plantago ovata is in the management of chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. The German Commission E and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend its use in cases of constipation due to duodenal ulcer or diverticulitis.

The German Commission E also noted that Blond Psyllium seed can help lower serum cholesterol levels. Additionally, it has been shown to slow sugar absorption, thereby reducing blood glucose levels.

There is also evidence that the use of Blond Psyllium husk for up to six months does not have any negative effects on vitamin or mineral status or the absorption of calcium.

Chemical Composition Of Isabgol

The seeds of Plantago ovata contain various amino acids such as valine, alanine, glutamic acid, glycine, cystine, lysine, leucine, and tyrosine. They also contain a mucilage composed mainly of xylose, arabinose, and galacturonic acid, with rhamnose and galactose also present.

The seeds also contain aucubin, which has antibacterial properties. The seed coat of Plantago ovata contains fatty acids, predominantly linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Studies have shown that the seeds have a liver protective effect and can help prevent hepatotoxicity in mice.

In China, the plant is used in the clinical treatment of certain types of hepatitis due to its aucubin content.

scientific name : Plantago ovata common name : isabgol uses : constipation, amoebic dysentery, hypercholestermia
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Dosage Of Isabgol

The recommended dosage of Plantago ovata husk is 5-10 grams.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Plantago ovata, commonly known as Ispaghula or Blond Psyllium, is a plant with various medicinal properties. It is widely used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha/Tamil, and folk medicine.

Its seeds and husk have been found to have laxative, diuretic, demulcent, bechic, and cholinergic actions. It is commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts, chronic dysentery, and hypercholesterolemia.

It can also help manage chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. The plant’s seeds contain amino acids, mucilage, and fatty acids, and have been shown to have antibacterial and liver protective effects. The recommended dosage of the husk is 5-10 grams.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

What is Plantago ovata?
Plantago ovata, also known as Ispaghula or Blond Psyllium, is a plant that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family.

What are the medicinal properties of Plantago ovata?
The seeds and husk of Plantago ovata have laxative, diuretic, demulcent, bechic, and cholinergic actions.

How is Plantago ovata used in traditional medicine?
Plantago ovata is used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha/Tamil, and folk medicine.

What conditions can Plantago ovata be used to treat?
Plantago ovata is commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts, chronic amoebic and bacillary dysentery, and hypercholesterolemia.

Can Plantago ovata be used for constipation?
Yes, Plantago ovata is commonly used in the management of chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

Are there any recommendations from health organizations regarding the use of Plantago ovata?
Yes, the German Commission E and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend the use of Blond Psyllium seed in cases of constipation due to duodenal ulcer or diverticulitis.

Can Plantago ovata help lower cholesterol levels?
Yes, the German Commission E noted that Blond Psyllium seed can help lower serum cholesterol levels.

Does Plantago ovata have any effect on blood glucose levels?
Yes, it has been shown that Plantago ovata can slow sugar absorption, thereby reducing blood glucose levels.

Are there any negative effects on vitamin or mineral status or calcium absorption when using Plantago ovata?
Studies have shown that the use of Blond Psyllium husk for up to six months does not have any negative effects on vitamin or mineral status or the absorption of calcium.

What are the nutritional components of Plantago ovata seeds?
The seeds of Plantago ovata contain various amino acids such as valine, alanine, glutamic acid, glycine, cystine, lysine, leucine, and tyrosine.

What is the mucilage composition of Plantago ovata seeds?
The mucilage of Plantago ovata seeds is composed mainly of xylose, arabinose, and galacturonic acid, with rhamnose and galactose also present.

Does Plantago ovata have any antibacterial properties?
Yes, the seeds of Plantago ovata contain aucubin, which has antibacterial properties.

What fatty acids are present in the seed coat of Plantago ovata?
The seed coat of Plantago ovata contains fatty acids, predominantly linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids.

Does Plantago ovata have any liver protective effects?
Studies have shown that the seeds of Plantago ovata have a liver protective effect and can help prevent hepatotoxicity in mice.

Can Plantago ovata be used in the treatment of hepatitis?
In China, the plant is used in the clinical treatment of certain types of hepatitis due to its aucubin content.

What is the recommended dosage of Plantago ovata husk?
The recommended dosage of Plantago ovata husk is 5-10 grams.

Can Plantago ovata be used for other conditions?
Yes, Plantago ovata has been used for other conditions such as cough (bechic action) and urinary tract infections (diuretic action).

Where is Plantago ovata cultivated?
Plantago ovata is cultivated in certain parts of Rajasthan and Maharashtra.

What are the traditional names of Plantago ovata in different medicinal systems?
In Ayurveda, it is known as Ashvagola or Ashwakarna. In Unani, it is called Aspaghol, while in Siddha/Tamil, it is known as Isapppa. Folk traditions refer to it as Isabgol.

Are there any side effects or precautions when using Plantago ovata?
While Plantago ovata is generally considered safe, some people may experience allergic reactions. It is best to consult a healthcare professional before using it, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.

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