Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
There are over 200 species of hibiscus. Due to its high adaptability, the plant is found all over the world. Hibiscus can occur as a small tree, a shrub or an annual or perennial herbaceous plant.
Uses: from ornamental plants, tea preparation, phytotherapy to cosmetics. .
The white, pink, violet to lilac flowering Hibiscus syriacus, Syrian hibiscus, is used as an ornamental plant for decoration.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, the Chinese hibiscus, impresses with its bright red, funnel-shaped flowers.
It is used phytotherapeutically for its antiseptic, astringent, emollient, digestive, diuretic, calming and tonic properties.
The slightly sour-tasting, intensely red flowers of Hibiscus sabdariffa are used as a tea or jam.
Hibiscus is used in cosmetics due to the hibiscus acids it contains, which have an exfoliating effect to promote the removal of dead cells while stimulating new cell growth. Hibiscus extract is also said to slow down the breakdown of collagen by inhibiting enzymes.
The industry also uses hibiscus plants: Hibiscus cannabinus is used in the paper industry and the textile industry due to its high cellulose content.
Hibiscus sabdariffa is a mostly annual shrub, up to 2.5 meters high, which belongs to the mallow family (Malvaceae). Hibiscus sabdariffa is a fast-growing and herbaceous plant that is usually cultivated as an annual. It is native to south-east Asia.
The whole and cut, dried calyxes and outer calyxes of the hibiscus flowers - Hibisci flos, especially of Hibiscus sabdariffa- are used phytotherapeutically.
s.a. Hibiscus syriacus extract, Hibiscus sabdariffa extract (INCI)
General informationThis section has been translated automatically.
The leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) are deep dark green. The large, stalked flowers are yellowish to light pink in color. In the food industry, the harvested calyxes, which are characterized by their pleasant taste, are used to make lemonades and various desserts. Dried calyxes are used to brew a tea known as 'karkade'.
HMPC: Not processed
ESCOP: Not processed
Commission E: Negative monograph
Herbal medicine: mild laxative, also for mild colds, catarrh, also weeping eczema.
Cosmetics: Hibiscus sabdariffa extract (INCI) is the mallow flower extract used in cosmetic formulations.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer
Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles