Abstract

Objective: Hibiscus rosa sinensis Linn. is widely available and employed by practitioners of natural health for variety of ailments. The present study aimed to investigate total phenolic content (TPC), analysis of flavonoid constituents using HPLC and assessment of antioxidant and anti-haemolytic activities of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. flowers in vitro Methods: In this study, free radical scavenging activity of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. flowers extract was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH). Total phenolic compounds and flavonoids were determined using Folin- Ciocalteu method and HPLC respectively. The flower extract at various concentrations was subsequently incubated with erythrocytes and analysed for hydrogen peroxide induced haemolysis and lipid peroxidation as indices of erythrocyte damage. Results: Results of the study revealed that the flower extract tested exhibited excellent antioxidant, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radicals scavenging activities with IC50 values of 28.41±1.7, 36.69±2.3 and 32.32±2.5 μg mL-1, respectively. The contents of four types of flavonoids, namely rutin, quercetin, kaempferol and myricetin in methanol extract were found to be 4104.0, 7.6, 361.9 and 50.7 μg g-1. Rutin was identified as major flavonoid of the Hibiscus flower and reported for the first time. The extract also significantly reduced hydrogen peroxide induced haemolysis and lipid peroxidation in vitro. Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings show that Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. flowers possess significant antioxidant and anti-haemolytic activities. The study further revealed that phenolics and flavonoids may be the main contributors to the antioxidant and antihaemolytic activities exhibited by the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Thus, the flowers have great potential to be used in the development of functional ingredients/foods that are currently in demand for the health benefits associated with their use.

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