PHARMACOGNOSTICAL, PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIOXIDANT EVALUATION OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA, LINN

Abstract

Hibiscus sabdariffa linn. having family – Malvaceae was reported to have wide ethno medicinal use. Hibiscus sabdariffa is one of the important constitutents among the widely herbal formulations. Roots orally used as a stomachic and externally as an emollient. They are mainly used as diuretic and tonic. Its decoction is useful for high blood pressure and cough. Main contents of herbal plant Hibiscus sabdariffa are tannins, carbohydrates, flavonoid , steroid, , hibiscin are known to exhibit a range of biological activities like antihypercholesterolemic, antihyperlipidemic, antiinflammatory, anthelmintic, hypotensive and anti viral properties due to their free radical scavenging ability. First of all Phytochemical screening of Hibiscus sabdariffa leaves, for extract (Water extract, 95% ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction) were performed then the extracts were dried and were subjected to qualitative chemical tests. The Ash value, Extractive value, Fibre content & Phenol content of different extracts were determined. Anti oxidant activity was also determined by DPPH method.