Knowledge: Rose Hibiscus Extract Liquid (Rosa rubiginosa), (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)

Rose (Rosa rubiginosa) and Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) are flowering plants, native to North America and West Africa, respectively.

Rose has been traditionally used for mood and stress management, menstrual disorder and digestive issues such as constipation. Meanwhile, roselle has been used for centuries for common colds, urinary tract infection and as a laxative.

Both Rose and roselle are rich in flavonoids, phenolic acids, organic acids and other antioxidant-rich nutrients.

Chemical structures of active compounds in Rose

Chemical structure of organic acids in Roselle

Health Benefits:

1.Healthier Eyes

Research shows rose extract supplementation, particularly topical application for 28 days, is effective in improving under-eye bags and dark circles, in women with stressful lifestyle.

Figure 1: The effect of (topical application of) Rose Extract on Under-Eye and Dark Circle Appearance

2.Stress Relief

Research shows 4 minutes of viewing and smelling of roses is effectively in helping male office workers in feeling more comfortable and relaxed naturally.

Figure 2: The effect of exposure to Rose flower for Male office workers

3.Women Health

With its anti-spasmodic properties, Rose supplementation is beneficial in managing menstrual bleeding and menstrual symptoms in women.

4.Infection Control

Roselle has good antimicrobial properties. Based on a study on elderly in aged care facility, with roselle drink intake for 1 year, there is a 36% reduction in Urinary Tract Infection cases.

5.Heart Health

Research shows 1 month consumption of Roselle tea significantly reduce systolic blood pressure in individuals aged 18 and 70 years with Stage 1 Hypertension.

Figure 3: The effect of Roselle intake on Systolic Blood Pressure

6. Diabetes Management

Research shows 8 weeks consumption of Roselle extract (powder form in capsules) results in significant improvement in blood sugar level.

Table 1: The effect of Roselle intake on Fasting Blood Sugar level

Usage:

Food and beverage as well as Health Supplement

Reference:

1. Duroux et al. 2020, “A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors”, Molecules, vol. 25 (4743), pp. 1-15
2. Ikei et al. 2014, “The physiological and psychological relaxing effects of viewing rose flowers in office workers”, Journal of Physiological Anthropology, vol. 33 (6), pp. 1-5
3. Koohpayeh et al. 2021, “Effects of Rosa damascena (Damask rose) on menstruation-related pain, headache, fatigue, anxiety, and bloating: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials”, Journal of Education Health Promotion, vol. 10 (272), pp. 1-13
4. Chou et al. 2016, “Exploring the effect and mechanism of Hibiscus sabdariffa on urinary tract infection and experimental renal inflammation”, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 194, pp. 617 – 625
5. Jalalyazdi et al. 2019, “Effect of hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure in patients with stage 1 hypertension”, Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, pp. 107-111
6. Sarbini et al. 2019, “The Effect of Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn) on Insulin Resistance in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Clinical Trial”, International Summit on Science Technology and Humanity, pp. 572 – 585