Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. for Weight Loss?!

The Roselle, popularly known among the masses as Hibiscus, is a true marvel of nature.

In the warm embrace of summer and the serenity of autumn, the Hibiscus blooms, revealing its lasting beauty.

 Its calyx, a deep purplish-red, complements the rich yellow of its petals.

 Its splendor has rightfully earned it the title of the "Red Gemstone of the Plant World."

but why is hibiscus sabdariffa l. associated with weight loss?

Numerous health teas, weight loss teas, and health supplements aimed at fat control often incorporate Roselle. The mechanism lies in the fact that Roselle extracts inhibit the differentiation of fat cells by regulating the PI3-K and MAPK pathways critical to fat formation[1]. 

Simply put, the Roselle extract inhibits the formation of fat cells.

Moreover, studies by scholars like Preuss have observed the impact of various natural substances acting as carbohydrate (CHO) blockers on the absorption of starch and sucrose in rats and pigs. The results suggest that Roselle significantly reduces the absorption rate of starch and sucrose[2].

Thus, moderate consumption of natural CHO blockers can safely reduce the blood sugar load from starch and sucrose, subsequently aiding in weight loss. Yet, it's crucial to note that one should not solely rely on Roselle for weight loss. More importantly, managing muscle mass (metabolism), physical activity, and diet is the cornerstone of maintaining a healthy weight.

Common Benefits and Applications

• Coloring and Flavoring

The extract from Roselle presents a burgundy-red hue, with a strong acidic taste that's reminiscent of slightly dried cranberries, raspberries, and rhubarb, without any lingering bitterness. Though the Roselle pigment is relatively unstable and influenced by various factors, its water solubility is commendable. This makes extraction convenient and cost-effective. Through specific methods, the stability of the pigment can be enhanced, finding its application in soft candies, popsicles, fruit wines, sodas, and more. It's commonly used as a primary ingredient for plum soup flavoring.

• Oral Beauty Supplements

Researchers in the Puvani region found that the locals frequently consume tea made from Roselle calyces to prevent anemia. This method is both affordable and effective[3]. Oral solutions extracted from Roselle are rich in natural nutrients, offering gentle and easily digestible benefits, such as anemia prevention and endocrine regulation.

• Cardiovascular Protection

                     

  
  

The extracts from Roselle calyces contain components like delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside and cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside. They function by competing with substrates at active sites to inhibit the activity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme, thereby offering blood pressure reduction properties[4]. Hence, Roselle is widely used in health supplements.

Conclusion: From its flowers, fruits, seeds to its stems and leaves, the Roselle plant offers a plethora of functional foods and medicinal resources, especially the calyces, which see the most widespread application. In vitro studies reveal that Roselle exhibits a range of biological activities, laying a foundation for the development of new drugs and health products. Its bioactivities encompass anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, blood pressure reduction, blood lipid regulation, anti-atherosclerosis, and more, presenting it as a multifunctional medicinal plant with diverse applications, providing a solid base for product research.

Roselle Extract

Latin Name: Hibiscus Sabdariffa L.

Active Ingredients: Hydroxycitric acid, Hibiscus anthocyanins, Polyphenols

Distribution: Predominantly found in global tropical and subtropical regions.

Harvesting: Harvesting season is around November each year, with a global production exceeding 100,000 tons.

Extraction: CalycesSpecifications: 25% Hibiscus Acid HPLC, 10%-15% Anthocyanins UV, 1%- 40% Polyphenols UV

Grade: Food grade

Primary Uses: Foods, health supplements, and cosmetics

Technological Breakthrough

In 2019, Siwei Biotech successfully addressed the issues of Roselle extract solutions fading in color and forming sediments and turbidity.

Cold water soluble: 1g of Roselle powder dissolves in 200ml of water. Stirring at a uniform speed for 30 seconds ensures complete dissolution, resulting in a clear solution devoid of any cloudiness or sediment.

References:

[1] Kim J K , So H , Youn M J ,et al.Hibiscus sabdariffa L. water extract inhibits the adipocyte differentiation through the PI3-K and MAPK pathway.[J].Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007, 114(2):260-267.DOI:10.1016/j.jep.2007.08.028.

[2] Preuss H G , Echard B , Bagchi D ,et al.Inhibition by Natural Dietary Substances of Gastrointestinal Absorption of Starch and Sucrose in Rats and Pigs: 1. Acute Studies[J].International Journal of Medical Sciences, 2007, 4(4):196-202.DOI:10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2006.07.010.

[3] Emanuel L.Peter,Susan F.Rumisha,Kijakazi O.Mashoto,et al.Ethno-medicinal knowledge and plants traditionally used to treat anemia in Tanzania:A cross sectional survey[J].Journal of Ethnopharmacology,2014,154(03): 767-773.

[4] A D O ,Enrique Jiménez-Ferrer b, B A Z ,et al.Inhibition of angiotensin convertin enzyme (ACE) activity by the anthocyanins delphinidin- and cyanidin-3- O -sambubiosides from Hibiscus sabdariffa[J].Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2010, 127( 1):7-10.DOI:10.1016/j.jep.2009.09.059.