BIOACTIVE AND NUTRACEUTICAL COMPOUND MANIPULATION IN HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L. LEAVES: A COMMON UNDERSHRUB CONSUMED BY THE BODO TRIBES OF BTC, ASSAM, INDIA

Abstract

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. is a gregarious under shrub, which is traditionally consumed by the Bodo tribes of Assam, India as a major constituent of food. Ethno medicinally the leaves, flowers and fruits are used for stomachic, in high blood pressure, cough and for diuretic purposes. A wide range of chemical compounds including hibiscin, anthocyanins, flavonols and sterols has been isolated from Hibiscus sabdariffa. Phytochemical constituents isolated from these plants include flavonoids, tannins, steroids, phenols, triterpenoids and alkaloids. Proximate analysis showed the presence of various trace elements with high nutritive values. The present review summarizes the information concerning the botany, ethno pharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of the plant.