Hibiscus Flowers Research Articles

Natural Solutions for Dandruff and Hair Fall: Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Hair Oil

Herbal hair oils have been widely used for nourishment and protection of hair and also to treat a variety of hair-related problems to promote healthy hair. The use of chemical medicine may not always bring the desired results as it has negative side effects. Using herbal products, the photochemical and bioactive ingredients work together to achieve the desired results. An unique herbal hair oil formulation is presented in this study that is enhanced with natural extracts such coconut oil, sesame seeds, black seeds, hibiscus flowers, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, and onion. The objective of this research is to maximize the combined benefits of these botanical elements in order to hydrate the scalp, stimulate hair follicles, and enhance the general appearance of hair. Since the coconut oil serves as a carrier base, the active ingredients are more easily absorbed into the scalp. Extracts from black and sesame seeds are used because they are rich in important fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, which are believed to promote hair growth and lessen hair loss. Hibiscus helps to revitalize the hair, add luster, and delay the onset of premature greying thanks to its natural antioxidants and amino acids. The present work was aimed to formulate herbal hair oil that seeks to address a variety of hair problems such as thinning hair, dryness, dandruff, and dullness. The formulated herbal hair oil was evaluated at various parameters such as organoleptic properties, viscosity, saponification value, pH were determined. For people looking to improve their hair health and maintain shiny, strong, and lovely hair, this research may offer a natural and secure response.

Effectiveness of flower of jamaica and arandano (red) in women with urinary infection

· Recibido: 18 de agosto de 2023 · Arbitrado: 5 de septiembre de 2023 · Aceptado: 30 de octubre de 2023 · Publicado: 1 de febrero de 2024 Adult women over 50 years of age are prone to having urinary infections due to different factors such as underlying disease, malnutrition, poor quality of life and bacteria. Therefore, we set ourselves the following objective: to determine the effectiveness of ingesting hibiscus flower and cranberry (red) in women with urinary tract infection between 50 and 80 years of age in the city of Santa Cruz. For which an experimental method was used, it was based on selecting women with symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTI) and giving them as a preventive method the ingestion of blueberries and Jamaica flower for 45 days. The consumption of cranberry extract and hibiscus flower infusion, the answers they gave to the survey questions: What was used as a variable, is that in the 45 days of consumption they felt improvement and were no longer recurrent to having urinary infections. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated as a preventive method for urinary infections in older women.

MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF THE BIODIESEL OXIDATION PROCESS IN THE PRESENCE OF NATURAL ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF JABUTICABA PEELS, GABIROBA LEAVES, AND HIBISCUS FLOWERS

Natural additives with antioxidant properties can be used as biodegradable and sustainable alternatives to synthetic products, because they can inhibit the biodiesel oxidation reaction, increasing oxidative stability and extending its storage period. This research evaluated the efficiency of jabuticaba peels, gabiroba leaves, and hibiscus flowers in ethanolic extracts, analyzing through the simplex-centroid design, the induction periods (IP) and rate constants (k) of the biodiesel oxidation reaction at 110 °C. Antioxidant activity was observed in all extracts, either decreasing k or increasing the IP. The mathematical models obtained showed coefficients of determination greater than 0.9400, a non-significant lack of fit at the 5% level, and low dispersion between predicted and experimental data, indicating that the 1st order reaction fit was appropriate and can be used for predictive purposes. In this work, the optimization was performed with maximization of IP and minimization of k showing that the mixture containing 25% of jabuticaba peels extract and 75% of gabiroba leaves extract was the most suitable, because proportionally increased the IP and decreased k of the biodiesel oxidation reaction. It is possible to suggest the use of jabuticaba peels extract or gabiroba leaves extract as well as various combinations between them as antioxidant additives.

Antibacterial Activity of Hibiscus Flower Extracts

In Ayurveda and the traditional Chinese medicine system, it is well documented that the use of herbal extracts and nutritional supplements for the treatment of various diseases. The Hibiscus plant has been used as a diuretic, mild laxative, and treatment for cardiac and nerve diseases. This plant is used for mild laxative effect, the ability to increase urination, relief during hot weather, and treatment of cracks in the feet, bilious, sores, and wounds. The purpose of this study was to examine the evolution of antimicrobial activity of flower extract of Hibiscus against human pathogens. Fresh flowers and dried flower powder were used for extract production. Two types of extracts were prepared, viz. aqueous and solvent extracts. Their antibacterial activity was studied against different human pathogens. Well agar diffusion assay was used for antibacterial investigation.

PLANT PIGMENTS IN PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROLOGY: HISTORICAL AND MODERN USES. PART II. A LITERATURE REVIEW WITH A CLINICAL CASE PRESENTATION

Purpose. To continue the narrative that we have started in the first part of this article, telling the reader about the history of the use of certain plant pigments in the treatment of several mental and neurological diseases, as well as in histological studies of brain tissue. To present to the reader the modern research data regarding the potential effectiveness and safety of some plant pigments in the treatment of various mental and psychosomatic pathologies, as well as some neurodegenerative diseases. Then, to present the reader a detailed description of a clinical case from the authors’ own practice. In the aforementioned case, the combined use of a low-calorie diet, exercise, metformin, chromium picolinate, thermogenic fat burners (caffeine and synephrine) and several different plant pigments and antioxidants — made it possible to achieve remission, both in terms of the mental state and in terms of endocrine and metabolic status in a young woman with obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, depression, hyperuricemia, and an initial stage of urate-based urolithiasis, without the use of traditional psychopharmacotherapy.
 Methodology. For the purpose of second part of this review, we have selected primarily those plant pigments that are widely distributed in a variety of plants, and therefore cannot be attributed to any one plant (for example, the carotenoids lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin, or anthocyanins, which are present in many berries and in the brightly colored flowers of some plants, such as hibiscus).
 Secondly, we were interested in the pigments from dyeing plants that some traditional medical systems (for example, traditional Chinese medicine, or Indian Ayurvedic medicine, or traditional medicine of the American Indians) have historically used and/or still continue using for the treatment of mental and neurological diseases. Many of those plants, for example, madder, are relatively little known as medicinal plants to modern European doctors and patients.
 We then searched for information about the medical use of such plant pigments with the help of search engines and databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science. Then we have summarized the data we had found and collected, and presented the summarized data in this second part of the review. Then we described in detail a clinical case from our own clinical practice.
 Results. The data we have obtained in the process of compiling this review, in our opinion, indicate a significant therapeutic potential for the use of some plant pigments that we have reviewed there — in the treatment of several mental and neurological disorders. The evidence base for the use of such plant pigments in psychiatry and neurology — varies widely in quality. For some plant pigments (eg, for lycopene from tomatoes, for lutein and zeaxanthin, for anthocyanins from various berries or from hibiscus flowers, for resveratrol from red wine and from dark grape varieties) — there are positive data from small randomized clinical trials, in combination with data from population studies (for example, on the association between the consumption of tomatoes, of lycopene and of carotenoids in general, of resveratrol and of plant antioxidants in general — and the frequency of depressive and anxiety disorders).
 For some other plant pigments that were historically used and are still used in some traditional medical systems, among other their uses, specifically for the treatment of mental and neurological disorders — for example, madder extract — we so far were able to find only experimental data on animals and on neuronal cell cultures, combined with the empirical experience of such traditional medical systems.
 Practical implications. The results that we have presented in this review, in our opinion, can provide theoretical and practical grounds for the use of some of the plant pigments that we have reviewed there (for example, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin, resveratrol, etc.) in the combination treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, of mild forms of anxiety and depressive disorders, mild cognitive impairment — especially in patients who refuse standard psychopharmacotherapy, or who do not tolerate it well.
 Some other plant pigments that were historically used in the treatment of mental and neurological disorders in some traditional medical systems (for example, madder extract) — in our opinion, deserve to be studied in humans in this role, preferably in the format of randomized controlled trials.

EFFECTS OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L. TEA INTAKE ON ANTIOXIDANT RESPONSE AND BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE IN HEALTHY WISTAR RATS

Introduction: Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. have therapeutic potential characteristics, rich in phytochemicals with anti-inflamatory, antibacterial and antioxidant effects. Objective: The study aims to evaluate daily consumption of hibiscus tea, in a concentration usually consumed by population, on biochemical parameters and antioxidant activity in healthy female adult Wistar rats. Methodology: The animals were divide in Control Group (CG), which received filtered water and commercial diet; and Hibiscus Group (HG), which received 15 mL/day of Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. flower tea (prepared 1g of flower/100mL of water), commercial diet and filtered water. The infusion of hibiscus flower for tea preparation was performed daily (ratio of 1.0g of dried flower to 100 mL of filtered boiled water), infused for 10 minutes, strained, and daily offered to animals (15 mL/day/animal) during 84 days. After 84 days of experimental protocol, animals were euthanized and evaluated serum biochemical parameters such urea, creatinine, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, total proteins, albumin, lipid profile and fasting glycemia. Analysis of antioxidant components was perfomed on hibiscus tea and serum antioxidant activity data were also analyzed by 2,2-difenil-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and total antioxidant activity by iron reduction (FRAP) methods. Results: Hibiscus tea has a high antioxidant potential, and reduce fasting glucose (p < 0.05), but in concentration offered this antioxidant capacity was not observed at serum level, without changes on body mass, water intake, food consumption, lipid profile, liver and kidney biomarkers. Conclusion: Hibiscus tea daily consumption, showed higher antioxidant potential and reduce fasting blood glucose, without toxic effects.

Metal-Infused Polyphenol-enriched Phyto-fabricated Nanoparticles: an In-depth Review of their Potent Prebiotic Properties

In light of its potential health benefits, including as improved gut health and management of the gut microbiota, herbal extracts have witnessed a major increase in demand as prebiotics in recent years. Many studies have demonstrated that polyphenolrich herbal extracts can work as prebiotics by encouraging the growth of beneficial gut flora. Unfortunately, the limited solubility and stability of these herbal extracts, as well as their susceptibility to breakdown in the gastrointestinal system, can limited their bioavailability and efficiency. To address these limitations, the integration of metal nanoparticles has emerged as a promising strategy for the efficient delivery of herbal extracts, affording heightened bioavailability and precise targeting of the gut microbiota. In this paper, we present current breakthrough in metal infused nanoparticle-based assessment of herbal extracts as efficient prebiotics, with an emphasis on formulation, characterization, and biological activity. The integration of metal nanoparticles into polyphenol-rich herbal extracts represents a cutting-edge approach to enhancing the prebiotic properties of these compounds. Metal-infused polyphenol-enriched phyto-fabricated nanoparticles hold great promise for improving gut health and modulating the gut microbiota, offering innovative solutions to address the limitations associated with traditional polyphenol delivery. Furthermore, extracts of polyphenol-rich medicinal herbs such as rosehip flower, hibiscus flower, mango bark, bamboo stem, green tea, pomegranate, and dhataki flower have been investigated to assess the viability of employing these phyto generated metal infused nanoparticles as a potential prebiotic

Insight into Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant and Anti-Diabetic Properties of Rosehip (Rosa canina L.)-Based Tisanes with Addition of Hibiscus Flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) and Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

Tisane is a fruit or herbal infusion, commonly referred to as herbal tea. These products are consumed as part of a balanced diet, which is closely related to the trend of a healthier lifestyle. In this work, tisanes prepared from rosehip (R), and herbal mixtures containing rosehip/hibiscus flowers (R/H) and rosehip/hibiscus flowers/saffron (R/H/S) were studied. Rosehip was dried by the convective drying method at 40, 50 and 60 °C. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total flavonol content (TFlC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), antioxidant properties (DPPH∙ and ABTS∙+ assays) and in vitro inhibitory potential toward α-amylase of tisanes were examined. The highest TPC (based on dry weight (dw)) was measured in tisane obtained from rosehip dried at 60 °C (37.84 mg GAE/g dw). Tisanes prepared from a R/H/S mixture had the highest values of TFC (4.66–6.13 mg QUE/g dw), TFlC (2.67–3.98 mg QUE/g dw) and TAC (1.35–2.27 mg Cy 3-glc/g dw). The highest DPPH∙ scavenging activity (53.42 mg TE/g dw) was measured in rosehip (dried at 60 °C) tisane, whereas tisane prepared from a rosehip (dried at 60 °C)/hibiscus mixture expressed the best ABTS∙+ scavenging activity (107.44 mg TE/g dw). All tisane samples expressed high inhibitory potential toward α-amylase, with the highest activity of 85.03% and 89.90%, measured for tisanes prepared from rosehip/hibiscus flowers mixture (rosehip dried at 50 and 60 °C, respectively).

A Review on Formulation and Evaluation of Sunscreen by Using Natural Sources

Sunscreen is a chemical compound that helps shield the skin from ultraviolet light. Sunburn is caused by UVB radiation, but UVA radiation may cause more skin damage. A sunscreen that blocks both wavebands is ideal. The aim of this study was to use medicinal herbs and specific fixed oils to create a topical herbal sunscreen composition. The goal of this project is to create and evaluate a cosmetic (herbal sunscreen) that shields skin from the sun. Natural ingredients with a range of uses, such as emollient, moisturiser, base, anti-acne, and anti-sweating, include hibiscus and aloevera .Rose water, almond oil, vitamin E capsules, hibiscus flowers, etc. Actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma can all be avoided with regular sunscreen use. Chemicals, either organic or inorganic, may be present in sunscreen. Sunscreen cream is another term for sunscreen. The object either absorbs or reflects solar radiation. UV radiation and provides skin defence. The use of screening materials that have been successful in lowering the indication has increased as a result of the rising incidence of skin cancers and the effects of UV radiation-induced photo damage

Anthocyanin isolation from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. flowers by extraction, macroporous D101 resin purification, and biological evaluation

This study aimed to improve the purity of anthocyanins in the extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (H. sabdariffa L.) by macroporous D101 resin. Thereby, we determined the main components, thermal stability properties, and some biological activities of anthocyanin mixture from Hibiscus flowers. The main anthocyanin identified in the anthocyanin sample was Cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside. In the purification stage with D101 resin, the anthocyanin fraction had the highest purity of 72.18 % compared with 12.07 % of that of the extract. Purified anthocyanins have very good color stability at low temperatures and in mildly alkaline media. The high antioxidant capacity of anthocyanins was recorded by methods of the free radical scavenging capacity of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and Ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) with IC50 values of 93.14 ± 0.93 μg/mL, 75.51 ± 0.71 μg/mL and 73.26 ± 0.93 μg/mL, respectively. The total antioxidant activity (RP) of anthocyanin sample was dose-dependent, the absorbance increased from 0.149 (100 μg/mL) to 0.873 (500 μg/mL). Anthocyanin also can inhibit both Gram (+) and Gram (−) bacteria of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as well as the mold Aspergillus flavus. Research has also shown potential anti-inflammatory in vitro of anthocyanins. These findings provide evidence that the purified anthocyanin from H. sabdariffa L. is a potential source of natural antioxidants, anti-bacteria, and anti-inflammatory in functional food and medicine.

Isolation and Identification of Bacterial and Fungal Edophytes from Leaves and Stems of H. rosa-sinensis and Production of Secondary Metabolites from Isolated Endophytes

Endophytes were first reported by the Freeman (1904) from dunel grass. 3,00,000 plant species known which exist on earth, all are host to one or more endophytes [1]. Endophytes are found in roots, leaves, stems, fruits, tubers, ovules etc. (Hallmann et al., 1997; Sturzet al., 1997: Hurek et al., 2002, Benhizia et al., 2004; Iniguez et al., 2004). Many different types of alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and steroids are produced by endophytic fungi and these metabolites of endophytic fungi have antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, and antioxidant potential. The root of the Hibiscus rosa is used for cough treatment. The leaves of the H. rosa are used as a laxative and flowers has anti – diarrhea properties and are considered as demulcent, emollient, refrigerant, aphrodisiac and emmenagogue. The high level of antioxidants in H. rosa sinensis can slow down the aging process by eliminating the free radicals and neutralizing their harmful effects on the cells of human body. Hibiscus flowers are used as a remedy for relieving respiratory problem and to improve the health of respiratory system.
 This work reveals that the endophytic bacteria and fungi were isolated from healthy leaves and stem of medicinal plant, H. rosa-sinensis which were first sterilized in 70% ethanol. The bacterial endophytes were isolated on Nutrient Agar Medium and fungal endophytes were isolated on Potato Dextrose Agar Medium. Colonies showing similar morphology on one plate were considered as single colony and so the frequency of each colony is calculated and isolated in pure form. By pure culture isolation technique, 4 different isolates of bacterial endophytes and 2 different isolates of fungal endophytes from stem of H. rosa-sinensis and 3 different isolates of fungal endophytes from leaves of H. rosa-sinensis were obtained. Bacterial endophytes were identified on the basis of Gram Stain and biochemical characterization whereas the identification of fungal endophytes was carried out at Plant Pathology Department of Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun. The secondary metabolites were isolated from isolated bacterial and fungal endophytes by using two different solvents (Ethyl acetate, chloroform) in the ratio 1:1 left for 15 minutes, the organic phase were collected and kept for drying at 37C. The antimicrobial activities were done against human pathogen (Stayphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia) by using Disc diffusion method of isolated secondary metabolites.

Potential use of red hibiscus flower extract for the production of spray-chilled microparticles: Characterization, stability, and bioaccessibility in vitro of anthocyanins

Microparticles (MLP) containing red hibiscus flower (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) anthocyanins were produced by spray chilling, and characterized for physicochemical parameters, accelerated stability, and gastrointestinal release profile. Fully hydrogenated palm oil and cocoa butter were used as wall materials, at a lipid blend to hibiscus extract ratio of 70:30 (w/w). The lipid blends containing fully hydrogenated palm oil (FHPO) and cocoa butter (CB) were produced by ultrasound-assisted technique in the following FHPO to CB ratios: 100:0 (Control), 75:25, 50:50, 60:40, and 40:60. Increasing the cocoa butter content reduced the melting temperature and increased the unstable polymorphic behavior of the microparticles, resulting in amorphous characteristics. The microparticles exhibited higher viscosity, more agglomerates, and holes on the surface, and greater diameters. Characteristic peaks corresponding to the hibiscus extract were observed in the infrared spectra of the spray-chilled microparticles, indicating that the microencapsulation did not affect the anthocyanins. The antioxidant capacity of the red hibiscus anthocyanins ranged from 75 % to 79 %, with the best result observed for the treatment MLP_75:25. Higher antioxidant activities were observed for the lipid blends containing lower cocoa butter concentrations. Concerning the release profile of anthocyanins, the simulated GI digestion in vitro showed reduced release in the gastric tract and more intense release in the intestinal tract for an effective absorption of the antioxidant compounds in the small intestine. Furthermore, the treatment MLP_75:25 showed the highest encapsulation retention and lower total color difference in the accelerated stability study. Overall, the microparticles from all treatments were light-sensitive and thermosensitive at 35 °C. Thus, it is recommended to store the particles in a dark environment at temperatures below 35 °C for an effective use of the microparticles as natural food colorants.

Roots, Leaves, and Flowers: A Narrative Review of Herbs and Botanicals Used for Self-Managed Abortion in Asia and the Pacific.

Abortion has existed throughout history, often outside of formal health care systems. This type of care, now called self-managed abortion, has historically been achieved in part through botanicals and traditional medicines. Their use continues into the modern day, especially in Asia, Hawai'i, and other Pacific Islands, where indigenous medicine traditions practice alongside allopathic medicine. Many of these botanicals, such as papaya leaves, hibiscus flowers, and young kī, and traditional medicines, such as tianhuafen, yuanhua, and Shenghua Decoction, have undergone scientific and clinical investigation of their potential abortifacient and antifertility action. The incidence of self-managed abortion with such abortifacients in countries with severe abortion restrictions are only estimates, leading to the possibility that legal rulings and societal pressures may cause underreporting. The Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities in the United States also suffer from a lack of abortion access in addition to unique health disparities and barriers to reproductive health care. As difficulties in abortion access increases due to the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, some may seek or even prefer self-managed abortion through traditional methods that have been passed down in their communities. Midwives and other health care providers may then be contacted during this process. This narrative review provides an overview of the literature on the use of botanicals, herbs, and traditional medicines used for self-managed abortion, specifically in Asia, Hawai‧i, and other Pacific Islands. Their implications for practice for providers in the United States and further opportunities for research are also presented.

Optimization of the Mixing of Hibiscus Flower (Hibiscus rose sinensis) Extract as a Lip Balm Color with Variations in Concentration

Hibiscus rosa sinensis L. is widely used by the community to decorate the garden because of its splendor. In addition, Hibiscus flowers containing anthocyanin and flavonoids have antioxidants, which function as antioxidants against free radicals. This natural dye can be obtained by extracting Hibiscus flowers through maceration using 96% ethanol. In this research, Hibiscus flowers were obtained from Sendang Rejo Village, Lamongan Regency. In the extract process, the Hibiscus flower’s petals were blended until smooth, then added to 96% ethanol (1 liter) and stirred for 30 minutes. Filtrate results were taken, placed in a porcelain dish, and put in an oven at 60 °C for a day. Four formulas were made with varying levels of Hibiscus flower extract: F1 (0%), F2 (2%), F3 (4%), and F4 (6%). Physical evaluation included organoleptic, homogeneity, dispersibility, pH, and qualitative tests for the identification of anthocyanins. The results of the organoleptic, homogeneity, dispersion, pH, and identification of anthocyanins evaluations were then analyzed descriptively. The data from the organoleptic test indicated that F1 had an odorless white color, while F2, F3, and F4 had a red and white color with a distinctive Hibiscus flower aroma. The homogeneity test revealed that while F1 had good homogeneity, F2, F3, and F4 were not homogeneous (heterogeneous). The spreadability test on the four formulas did not fall within the range of requirements, namely 5-7 cm, with an average value of 3.53, but this was related to several significant reasons. In addition, the pH test results matched the requirements for topical preparations, namely 4.5–6.5, with an average value of 5.075. In conclusion, Hibiscus flower extract obtained through the maceration method with 96% ethanol could not give a homogeneous red color from the anthocyanin substance. Physical evaluation and anthocyanin identification tests also obtained good results.

Physicochemical and Functional Properties and Storage Stability of Chitosan-Starch Films Containing Micellar Nano/Microstructures with Turmeric and Hibiscus Extracts.

The dynamic development of the food industry and the growing interest of consumers in innovative solutions that increase the comfort and quality of life push the industry towards seeking pioneering solutions in the field of food packaging. Intelligent and active packaging, which affects the quality and durability of food products and allows one to determine their freshness, is still a modern concept. The aim of our study was to obtain two types of films based on chitosan and starch with micellar nanostructures containing extracts from turmeric rhizomes and hibiscus flowers. The presence of spherical nanostructures was confirmed using a scanning electron microscope. The structural and optical properties of the obtained composites were characterised by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), UltraViolet-Visible (UV-VIS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the presence of spherical micellar structures with a size of about 800 nm in the obtained biocomposites. The presence of nano-/microstructures containing extracts affected the mechanical properties of the composites: it weakened the strength of the films and improved their elongation at break (EAB). Films with nano-/microparticles were characterised by a higher water content compared to the control sample and lower solubility, and they showed stronger hydrophilic properties. Preliminary storage tests showed that the obtained biocomposites are sensitive to changes occurring during the storage of products such as cheese or fish. In addition, it was found that the film with the addition of turmeric extract inhibited the growth of microorganisms during storage. The results suggest that the obtained bionanocomposites can be used as active and/or intelligent materials.

Identification of Phthalates, Methyl Esters and Siloxanes through GCMS analysis, biological investigation, DFT and Molecular Docking studies on Methanolic Subfractions of Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis flower extract

Purpose: Plants are vital source of bioactive molecules, so they play a significant role in prevention and curing of various health disorders. The Hibiscus rosa sinensis, an ornate with attractive flowers, has conventionally been utilized globally as a curative agent for a wide range of ailments. Methods: In current study, we prepared crude methanolic extract of flowers of Hibiscus rosa sinensis and subjected that to in vitro biological evaluation to assess its antidiabetic and antioxidant potential. Outcomes of in vitro evaluation confirmed the excellent antidiabetic and antioxidant potency of Hibiscus flowers. Further crude methanolic extract was fractionated to hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions. Among the three fractions, we subjected methanolic fraction to GCMS analysis to explore the bioactive molecules contained by this fraction. Results: The spectral data obtained from GCMS analysis revealed the existence of a total of 12 compounds including phthalates, methyl esters and siloxanes which are known to have a range of reported pharmacological activities. Successively, we subjected the identified molecules to molecular docking to assess their antidiabetic and antioxidant potential and DFT study to explore the reactivity of their molecular structures. As far as we are aware, it is the first report on the in-silico antidiabetic (128.1µM) and antioxidant (410.0µM) potential assessment of phytoconstituents of methanolic extract of floral part of Hibiscus rosa sinensis. The results revealed the H. Sinensis plat as more viable and good alternative to existing natural remedies.

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Handwash Containing Extracts of Jasmine and Hibiscus Flower

Hand washing also known as hand hygiene, is the act of cleaning one's hands with soap or handwash and water to remove viruses/bacteria/microorganisms, dirt, grease, or other harmful and unwanted substances stuck to the hands. Drying of the washed hands is part of the process as wet and moist hands are more easily recontaminated. If soap and water are unavailable, hand sanitizer that is at least 60% (v/v) alcohol in water can be used instead, unless hands are visibly excessively dirty or greasy. Hand hygiene is central to preventing the spread of infectious diseases in home and everyday life settings. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds before and after certain activities. 1,5These include the five critical times during the day where washing hands with soap is important to reduce fecal-oral transmission of disease: after using the toilet (for urination, defecation, menstrual hygiene), after cleaning a child's (changing nappies), before feeding a child, before eating and before/after preparing food . When both hand washing and using hand sanitizer are not available, hands can be cleaned with uncontaminated ash and clean water, although the benefits and harms are uncertain for reducing the spread of viral or bacterial infections. However, frequent hand washing can lead to skin damage due to drying of the skin. Moisturizing lotion is often recommended to keep the hands from drying out.

Estimation of the storage time of biodiesel at room temperature in mixture with natural antioxidants and metallic ions: A semi-empirical study

Biodiesel is derived from renewable sources and can be considered as an energy alternative to partially replace diesel. However, it contains unsaturated organic molecules in its composition, which increases its tendency towards oxidative degradation when exposed to oxygen in the air and metallic ions. Consequently, this leads to alterations in the physicochemical properties of biodiesel. To inhibit or delay the oxidative process and increase the induction period, natural extracts with antioxidant properties from gabiroba leaves (Campomanesia Xanthocarpa), jabuticaba peels (Myrciaria Cauliflora), and hibiscus flowers (Malvaviscus arboreus) were added. The samples’ oxidative stability was evaluated in the presence or absence of extracts, as well as Fe2+, Fe3+, and Cu2+ ions at temperatures of 110, 115, 120, and 125 °C, obtaining the induction period values. By extrapolating the experimental data of the logarithm of the IP values at different temperatures, the storage time at room temperature was estimated without altering the values determined during the experimental assays. The use of inedible products such as peels, leaves, and flowers, with antioxidant properties, not only aligns with the recommendations and legislation of several countries but also proves to be a viable alternative to synthetic substances for delaying the oxidation reaction of biodiesel.

Preparation and Characterisation of Acid-Base-Change-Sensitive Binary Biopolymer Films with Olive Oil and Ozonated Olive Oil Nano/Microcapsules and Added Hibiscus Extract.

The purpose of this study was to develop and characterise bionanocomposites based on chitosan (CHIT) and alginate (ALG) in two series, which were subsequently functionalised with emulsions based on a combination of water, oil, ozonated oil and hibiscus flower extracts. The structure and morphology of the materials produced were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ultraviolet and visible light (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy, along with a surface colour analysis and the determination of the mechanical and thermal properties of the resulting composites. Functionalisation did affect the analysed composite parameters. The FTIR spectra indicated that the polysaccharide matrix components were compatible. The SEM images also confirmed the presence of nano/microcapsules in the polysaccharide matrix. The obtained results indicate that the order of adding polysaccharides has a significant impact on the encapsulation capacity. The encapsulation resulted in the improved thermal stability of the composites. The emissions analysis showed that the composites containing nano/microcapsules are characterised by a higher emission intensity and are sensitive to acid or base changes. Significant differences in emission intensity were observed even at low concentrations of acids and bases. A drop in the mechanical properties was observed following functionalisation. The results of this study suggest that these bionanocomposites can be used as active and/or smart packaging materials.

Chokeberry Pomace Utilization for Improving Selected Quality Parameters of Green Tea Leaves or Hibiscus Flower Infusions

The utilization of food industrial by-products, especially pomace after juice processing, could be a big challenge. Chokeberry pomace is a valuable source of phenolic compounds, including procyanidins and anthocyanins. These compounds have, e.g., antioxidant, anticancer, hypoglycemic, hypotensive, hepatoprotective and cardioprotective effects. In this work, dried chokeberry pomace (2.0 g, 2.5 g and 3.0 g) was added to green tea leaves or white or red hibiscus flowers (0.5 g of each) to obtain mixtures for preparing infusions. Such products could be a valuable source of bioactive compounds. After brewing and cooling, selected quality parameters of the obtained infusions were tested: pH, total phenolic content (TPC), anthocyanin content and the instrumentally and sensorily determined color. The composition of the infusion had an impact on the color. Those from a mixture of chokeberry by-products and hibiscus possessed lower L* and higher a* and b* values than those composed of chokeberry and green tea leaves. Infusions prepared from the mixture containing dried chokeberry pomace (3.0 g) and green tea leaves (0.5 g) had a higher content of anthocyanins (17%) and phenols (48%), respectively, than other samples with the same proportions of ingredients. According to PCA analysis, the highest content of the tested bioactive compounds was obtained in infusions of green tea leaves with the addition of chokeberry pomace.