Hibiscus rosa-sinensis: A Multifunctional Flower Bridging Nutrition, Medicine, and Molecular Therapeutics

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, commonly known as the shoe flower, thrives in tropical and subtropical regions across South China, Asia, Africa, and America, adapting well to diverse environments. Its therapeutic potential is attributed to a range of bioactive compounds Anthocyanins, saponins, quercetin, kaempferol, and anthraquinones are found in various plant parts. These compounds scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and modulate inflammatory (IL-6, TNF-α, PPAR-γ, cyclooxygenase) and oxidative (MDA, MPO, NO, SOD, GSH) markers, offering therapeutic benefits against cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, and hepato-renal disorders. The plant exhibits antidiabetic effects by lowering blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and postprandial glucose absorption. Cardioprotective properties are linked to the regulation of PPAR-γ, SREBP-1c, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and fatty acid synthase. Molecular docking studies reveal strong binding affinities of myricetin and rutin with α-glucosidase (-10.5) and SOD (-8.6), highlighting their antidiabetic and hepatoprotective potential. H. rosa-sinensis also exhibits antimicrobial activity against various bacterial (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus) and fungal strains (e.g., A. flavus, A. niger). Animal-based studies affirm its safety between 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight. Its coloring, flavoring, nutritional, and therapeutic properties support applications in food, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and dyeing. However, long-term clinical trials are essential to validate its traditional uses and therapeutic efficacy.