Hibiscus sabdariffa L., roselle calyx, from ethnobotany to pharmacology

Abstract

Using MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases, a review of the literature from the pioneering study of 1991 until 2010 was performed on the effects on biological models of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. roselle calyx, its extracts mainly in polar solvents, or pure components found in extracts, as well as their possible relationship to these effects. Three relevant effects on lipid metabolism, antihypertensive activity, and apoptosis were observed. Our chronological review of the studies mentioned in the literature provides another opportunity to see how humans compile scientific knowledge of a chemical structure–physiological activity relationship starting from an ethnobotanical–ethnopharmagognosy contribution. The chemical components that are the main active principles in the physiological activities of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyx are anthocyanins and polyphenols (protocatechuic acid and quercetin). Advances have also been made in the elucidation of action mechanisms. Additionally, it has become clear that the lack of standardization in terms of chemical components of the material arising from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. used in testing on biological models imposes limits on the possibility of carrying out comparative analyses between studies. Fortunately, more recent studies are overcoming this obstacle by reporting component concentrations of assumed active principles; however, complete analysis of the extract, if this is to be considered as a therapeutic agent, is not commonly reported in the aforesaid studies. If one of the eventual scenarios for Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyx is as a therapeutic agent in communities with economic limitations, then studies of a pharmacological nature should guarantee the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of this material, which is widely accepted to be associated with chemical complexity, thus making this knowledge necessary.

Introduction

Throughout the development of science and especially from the second half of the 20th century onwards, Lerner’s affirmation has become evident: “Everything that goes on in biology or medicine has a chemical basis.”² This relationship between chemistry and biology has generated the disciplinary field of chemical and biological sciences, which studies the basis or understanding of biological behavior through chemical language.

In the case of the components of the Hibiscus sabdariffa L., (Hs) or roselle, flower, this relationship between its chemistry and physiological effects in animal or human models is a matter of study, most relevantly in countries or regions where it is consumed as a refreshing drink, or where it is included in traditional medicine.^1,3–21

Ethnobotany and ethnopharmacognosy, the basis of useful knowledge on plants in their relationship with traditional or popular therapeutic uses, constitute a guide for chemical–pharmacological and physiological studies that allow the establishment of a scientific foundation for supposed therapeutic properties.

Farnsworth²² notes that 119 active principles with well known chemical nature “are still isolated from higher plants, and are used in allopathic medicine”. Farnsworth goes on to note that 74% of these active principles were discovered when chemists tried to identify the reason for their use in traditional medicine.

Consequently, the investigation of the constituent properties of Hs calyx and its relationship with possible active principles, from the pioneering work¹ until 2010, represents a logical systematic process for the generation of the required chemical–biological knowledge that allows the elucidation of the possible structure–function relationship.

Among the properties reported to date for Hs calyx (by itself, its extracts – mainly in polar solvents – as well as isolated constituents from these extracts), its effect on lipid metabolism, its antihypertensive action, and its relationship with apoptosis or programmed cellular death are outstanding. The present study summarizes and analyzes the advances that have been achieved in the search for the relationship between these properties and the chemical nature of Hs constituents. Our findings complement and update the information reported previously in the literature.^23,24

Chemical composition

The organic chemical constituents reported before 2003 for Hs calyces were included in a compendium of medical plants of the world.⁷ Since 2003, the literature has expanded the available information on these components. Figure 1 shows the structures for two simple phenolic compounds (protocatechuic acid [PCA] and eugenol), flavonoid-type polyphenol compounds (3-glucoside anthocyanins, anthocyanidins; flavonol quercetin), organic acids and their derivatives, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), B₁ (thiamin), and B₂ (riboflavin), and a carotenoid (β-carotene).

Figure 1.

Organic compounds reported in Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle) calyces.

Table 1 reports the results of research carried out by three different groups^25–27 on proximal chemical analyses of the calyx with samples from Nigeria.

Table 1.

Proximal chemical analysis of Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle) calyx

	g/100 g, dry basis25 Mean ± (not stated in article)	g/100 g, dry basis26 (sic) Mean ± SD	g/100 g, dry basis27 (sic) Mean of two determinations
Ash	6.52 ± 0.03	6.6 ± 0.1	12.24
Fat	5.13 ± 0.01	1.4 ± 0.4	2.01
Crude fiber	2.70 ± 0.01	9.1 ± 1.0	4.69
Humidity		9.4 ± 1.2	7.60
Protein	6.40 ± 0.01	14.7 ± 2.5	4.71
Carbohydrates	79.25 ± 0.02	58.6 ± 1.8	68.75

Abbreviation: SD, standard deviation.

Even though the analytical methods all researchers refer to are from the Association of Official Analytical Communities (AOAC), the direct comparison of results cannot strictly be carried out. Among other reasons, the values included in both works from 2006 do not correspond to those accepted as “dry basis” (adjustment assuming 100% total solids), even though one of them does contain values of means ± standard deviation (SD). In the proximate or Weende chemical analysis, the desirability of avoiding the effect of dilution due to variable amounts of water in samples is recognized. The composition should be expressed on a dry basis in order to be able to make comparisons under equal conditions. Reports of proximate chemical analyses of diverse materials exist where percentage of humidity is included. Its exclusion from the adjustment allows for a total greater than 100%. Thus, the concept of “dry basis” is satisfied on the one hand and sample humidity is included on the other hand. Table 2 includes the results of research carried out on the mineral composition of Hs calyx samples.^25–28

Table 2.

Selected mineral composition of Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle) calyces (dry basis)

	mg/100 g simple25 Mean ± (not stated in article)	mg/100 g simple28 Mean ± SD	mg/100 g simple27 Mean of two determinations
Calcium, Ca	3.00 ± 0.01	970 ± 90	12.65
Copper, Cu	0.70 ± 0.06	ND	ND
Phosphorus, P	22.00 ± 0.21	ND	36.30
Iron, Fe	833.00 ± 0.64	17.7 ± 0.1	3.22
Magnesium, Mg	1.00 ± 0.06	215 ± 4	38.65
Manganese, Mn	ND	ND	2.39
Nickel, Ni	ND	ND	1.78
Potassium, K	ND	ND	49.35
Sodium, Na	15.33 ± 0.02	ND	96.66
Zinc, Zn	1.17 ± 0.04	2.8 ± 0.2	12.22

Abbreviations: ND, not determined; SD, standard deviation.

Studies applied to diverse samples of plants have confirmed that the type of soil the plants grow in influences its ash or mineral content, and this can cause wide variations within the same species.²⁹ Significant differences between mineral contents reported for these samples (eg, Ca, Fe, or Mg) could mainly be because the origin of the soil is different. Nevertheless, standardization in terms of these factors could favor the therapeutic objective or not, as the case may be. The presence and concentration of pesticides as well as heavy metals and aflatoxins in calyx or extract should also be investigated.

Physiological effects: chemical composition

Lipid metabolism

Pioneering research work on the component structure– activity relationship of Hs calyx¹ found that the dried calyx produced a favorable physiological reaction when administered in the diet of albino rats with induced dyslipidemia, considered as a disorder of lipid-transporting molecules in the blood (lipoprotein metabolism) whose expression can occur as a result of a rise in cholesterol or triacylglyceride concentration, or both. The latter situation, known as mixed hyperlipidemia, is characterized by high levels of low-density lipoprotein- cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein- cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and triacylglycerides, as well as by reduced HDL-C levels.³⁰

Epidemiological studies carried out in other countries as well as in Mexico have shown the relationship between dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk.^31–38 In the case of Mexico,³¹ there were 282 people (12.8%) with mixed hyperlipidemia from a total of 2206 cases studied in 1993. The final report from the panel of experts in the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)³⁹ established LDL-C as “primary objective of therapy to lower cholesterol” as it the lipoprotein with the highest atherogenicity.

The NCEP panel also considered that although LDL-C continues as the main focus of attention in clinical practice, there exists growing evidence that very-low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C) and HDL-C play an important role in atherogenesis. Therefore, attention needs to be paid to these lipoprotein-cholesterols in the integrated management of patients with cardiovascular disease.

In order to prevent these lipidemic abnormalities and to treat and control them, the NCEP places a high priority on lifestyle change (diet and physical exercise) as well as the use of drugs. Some of the drugs approved for the reduction of lipids are:

1. Statins (atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin), which act as competitive inhibitors for hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes the limiting step of cholesterol biosynthesis.

2. Fibrates (derived from fibric acid, ie, 5(2,5-dimethylphenoxy)-2,2-pentanoic acid, eg, gemfibrozil, bezafibrate, and fenofibrate), which induce lipoprotein lipolysis by diminishing levels of apolipoprotein C-III (a lipoprotein lipase inhibitor).

3. Bile acid sequesters (eg, cholestyramine, cholestipol). The activity of these compounds is through an ionic transfer between the carboxylate group of disassociated bile acids and the exchangeable ion of anionic resins (cholestyramine, cholestipol), thus interrupting enterohepatic recirculation. Three enzyme systems are affected: phosphatidic acid phosphatase, cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase, and HMG-CoA reductase.

4. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors (eg, ezetimibe). Competition exists between the metabolite ezetimibe-glucuronide and the exogenous cholesterol transport system, thus preventing its incorporation into the liver.

5. Nicotinic acid or niacin, which acts by inhibiting hormone-sensitive triacylglyceride lipase (HSL), with the subsequent reduction of free fatty acids in plasma. HSL catalyzes the limiting step in lipolysis: hydrolysis of tri-, di-, and monoglycerols, as well as cholesterol esters.

The inclusion of the names and mechanisms of action of the approved lipid reduction drugs listed above permits a direct comparison between the outcome of the experimental studies using Hs calyx or isolated compounds (Table 3), and the possible mechanisms of action that have been identified by the corresponding researchers.

Table 3.

Studies on animal and human models which indicate antihyperlipidemic activity of Hs calyx extracts or its isolated compounds (1991–2010)

Year	Model	Research
1991	Rat1	The action of Hs extract on the lipidic profile of albino rats (total lipids, cholesterol, phospholipids, and triacylglycerides) was investigated. The animals underwent an adaptation period of 2 weeks with a normal diet. They were divided into two groups, group 1 continued being fed with the basal diet (negative control), and group 2 underwent a hypercholesterolemic regime for 12 weeks. After this time, group 2 was divided into three subgroups, and fed with an atherogenic regime: group 1 (positive control), group 2 (plus 5% extract), and group 3 (plus 10% extract). At the end of the treatment, a marked decrease in the different lipidic fractions was observed in spite of the atherogenic diet. Phospholipid levels were the only exception, increasing with extract administration. A significant decrease in glutamate–oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate–pyruvate transaminase (GPT) activity was also induced.
2002	Human LDL40	Protocatechuic acid (PCA) and esculetin (ECT) antioxidant capacity for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, induced by Cu+2 and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was assessed. The results indicate that PCA as well as ECT exhibited inhibitory LDL activity. This same experimental model also presents an inhibitory effect on the degradation of cholesterol present in LDL and on Apo B fragmentation. When comparing PCA and ECT effects on LDL oxidation with other antioxidants, the results were similar to those of curcumin or vitamin C at the same concentration, but greater than those for vitamin E. The mechanisms responsible for this inhibiting effect on LDL oxidation are still uncertain. Some authors indicate that PCA and ECT could reduce the formation of free radicals mediated by Cu+2 with a protective effect on LDL by impeding lipid peroxide formation.
2003	Rabbit8	Hypolipidemic and antisclerotic effects of Hs extract were studied for 10 weeks in five groups of rabbits (New Zealand) with experimentally induced atherosclerosis. The first group received a basal diet; the second, the same diet plus 1% Hs extract in order to observe secondary effects of the extract; the third group was fed an atherogenic diet; the fourth and fifth groups had respectively 0.5% and 1% Hs extract added to the basal diet. Triacylglyceride, cholesterol, and LDL serum levels in rabbits of the fourth and fifth groups decreased significantly with respect to group 3. Triacylglycerides decreased by 46% and 59% respectively in the fourth and fifth groups. There were no changes in the high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in either group. The LDL-C/HDL-C ratio only decreased significantly in group four (0.5% Hs). Histopathological analyses of groups 4 and 5 (0.5%, 1% Hs, respectively) compared with those of group 3, reveal that the formation of foam cells (LDL-oxidized) is reduced, and its migration towards smooth muscle cells is inhibited. In addition, blood vessel calcification decreases. The results suggest that Hs extract can sequester the reactive oxygen species in plasma as well as in the interstitial fluid of the arterial wall, inhibiting LDL oxidation and therefore the onset of atherosclerosis.
2003	Rabbit6	The results published in this patent application correspond to the contents of the article “Hibiscus sabdariffa extract inhibits the development of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-EDF rabbits”, where the author establishes a method to counter LDL oxidation, to diminish triacylglycerides or cholesterol and to inhibit atherosclerosis using Hs extract.
2004	Human LDL9	Hs extract antioxidant capacity for LDL oxidation and its effect on the lipid profile in two systems with induced hyperlipidemia (with high-fructose diet [HFD] and high-cholesterol diet [HCD], respectively) was assessed. The results show that Hs extract significantly inhibits both LDL lipid electrophoretic mobility and peroxidation induced by Cu+2 ions. Hs extract also exhibited a remarkable ability to reduce both cholesterol degradation and apolipoprotein B (Apo B) fragmentation. Hs extracts displayed a great capacity to decrease triacylglyceride serum levels in animals fed with HFD, as well as cholesterol levels in animals fed with HCD. In both hyperlipidemic models, the Hs extract reduced LDL levels and the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. The mechanism responsible for these effects requires elucidation. Chen and colleagues propose that some extract antioxidant constituents, such as anthocyanins and polyphenols, possibly inhibit LDL oxidation. The mechanisms underlying the antihyperlipidemic activity in animals fed with HFD and HCD diets should be determined.
2005	Rat13	The effect of ethanolic Hs calyx extract on the lipidic profile in rats after a 1-week atherogenic diet was assessed. The rats were divided into four groups and maintained for 4 weeks: the control group (SDc) was fed an atherogenic diet; the diet of the three experimental groups (SD5, SD10, and SD15) was supplemented with 5%, 10% and 15% Hs extract, respectively. The results show that Hs extract at all three concentrations significantly decreases triacylglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL, and lipid levels compared with control, without significantly modifying phospholipid and HDL levels. The decrease in triacylglycerides, cholesterol, and LDL levels can be attributed to the fact that hibiscus (+) hydroxycitric acid ((+)HCA), undergoes isomerization to (−)HCA, favored by microbial biota enzymes. This compound has an inhibiting action on citrate lyase, thus preventing acetyl-CoA generation and, in turn, triacylglyceride and cholesterol biosynthesis. The different effectiveness of the three experimental groups in diminishing cholesterol could be due to certain extract constituents present at higher concentrations which affect intestinal permeability, causing a greater amount of cholesterol to be transported to the circulation. The significant decrease in LDL in the three groups could be due to the effect of extract components on the biosynthesis of this lipoprotein. The precursor of LDL is very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) composed mainly of triacylglycerides, and its function is to transport them from the liver to peripheral tissues. The inhibition in triacylglyceride synthesis in the three experimental groups decreases VLDL, and therefore LDL, concentrations. The SD5 group showed the most significant results.
2006	Human LDL, RAW 264.7 cell lines16	The effect of several Hs anthocyanin (HAs) concentrations on LDL oxidation induced by copper sulfate (CuSO4), was assessed and determined by means of electrophoretic mobility. When incubating LDL with CuSO4 in the presence of 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/mL HAs, its electrophoretic mobility decreased, demonstrating that HAs have an inhibiting effect on LDL oxidation. Apo B fragmentation was inhibited by 45%, 49%, and 71% in the presence of 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL HAs, respectively. HAs capacity for LDL oxidation inhibition was also measured, thiobarbituric acid (TBARS; mmol malondialdehyde/mg protein) being used as an indicator of lipid peroxidation. HAs capacity for sequestering 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrilhydrazil (DPPH), a free radical used to quantify antioxidant activity, was also assessed. In the TBARS tests, the HAs effective dose was 1–1.5 mg/mL, whereas for DPPH, 0.5 and 1 mg/mL HAs exhibited >100% sequestration effectiveness. In addition, oxidized LDL induced apoptosis in macrophages and its possible inhibition by HAs were determined through the viability, morphology and expression of cellular line RAW 264.7 caspase 3. The studies carried out revealed that HAs inhibit oxidized LDL-induced apoptosis making it possible for them to be used as a chemopreventive agent. Further investigation into HAs specificity and mechanisms is required.
2006	Rats, Human LDL15	The effects of aqueous Hs extract both on the lipidic profile (cholesterol, triacylglycerides, HDL, and LDL) and LDL antioxidation, were studied in hypercholesterolemic rats. The rats were fed for 1 week with a normal diet. They were then randomly divided into two groups: noncholesterol-fed group (control group) and cholesterol-fed group (2 g/kg in corn oil). The control group was subdivided into two groups: group 1, diet plus distilled water (control I) and group 2, diet plus corn oil (control II). Rats in the cholesterol-fed group were induced to be hypercholesteromic by daily administration of cholesterol (2 g/kg) in corn oil. When serum cholesterol level reached 140 mg/dL or more, they were further subdivided into five groups (3 to 7): group 3 (plus water); group 4 (plus 10 mg/kg atorvastatin); group 5 (plus 250 mg/kg Hs extract); group 6 (plus 500 mg/kg Hs extract); group 7 (plus 1000 mg/kg Hs extract). A hypolipidemic effect at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg Hs extract (groups 6 and 7) was observed and cholesterol, triacylglycerides, and LDL serum levels were significantly reduced. In vivo and ex vivo extract antioxidant effects on LDL were revealed through the significant decrease in substances reactive to TBARS, and the nonsignificantly reduced formation of conjugated dienes during LDL oxidation induced by cupric sulphate. The results suggest that Hs water extract exhibits both hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects. Nevertheless, its action mechanisms require elucidation.
2006	Rat liver and kidney tissues41	The protective effect of an Hs alcoholic extract on oxidative stress was determined in hyperammonemia in rats induced by ammonium chloride (NH4Cl); the extension of the oxidative damage, as well as the antioxidant status were also measured. Animals were divided into four groups: group 1 (control); group 2, with Hs extract (250 mg/kg body weight); group 3, with (NH4Cl) (100 mg/kg body weight); group 4 with (NH4Cl) (100 mg/Kg body weight) plus Hs extract (250 mg/kg body weight) for 8 weeks. Results showed that ammonia and urea levels rose significantly in group 3, but they significantly decreased in group 4. Group 2 did not show any significant difference in these parameters compared to control. Group 3 liver and renal tissue exhibited significantly higher levels of substances reactive to TBARS, hydroperoxide (HP), conjugated dienes (CD); in the cases of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutation peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutation (GSH) levels were significantly lower in comparison to group 4. Group 2 did not exhibit any significant difference in the levels of the parameters previously mentioned, compared to the control group. It is well established that there is a relationship between hyperammonemia and oxidative stress, so the maximum decrease in ammonium and urea levels observed in group 4 is probably linked to the antioxidant activity of some extract constituents.
2007	Human20	The effect of three Hs extract concentrations on human cholesterol levels (175 to 327 mg/dL) was studied for 4 weeks. Capsules of 500 mg previously standardized Hs extract (anthocyanins, flavonoids and polyphenols, 20.1, 10 and 14 mg, respectively) were used. The volunteers were divided into three groups that received different daily doses of Hs extract: 1500 mg, 3000 mg, and 4500 mg. Serum cholesterol levels before the study (basal values) and in the second and fourth week of treatment were measured. The results exhibited that, on average, there was a significant decrease in cholesterol levels in the three groups up to the 4th week (2.6%, 4.4%, and 2.5%, respectively). In those volunteers who responded to the treatment, this result was observed both in the second and fourth week. The best response to the treatment was at the 3000 mg dose. Efficiency of cholesterol-lowering drugs, according to the World Health Organization, is stated to be 9%, 15%–18% and 30%, for clofibrate, etofibrate, and statins, respectively. In the present study it was found that 1500 mg extract daily reduces cholesterol by 4.4% in 50% of the participants, and 3000 mg by 12% in 71.4% of the participants after 4 weeks (short-term research). According to the authors, later studies must extend the length of clinical tests, using extract levels similar to those chosen in this study.
2009	Rat14	The effect of an Hs calyx ethanol extract on fat absorption and lipid excretion was assessed. The rats were fed with an atherogenic diet (control group: SDc) for 4 weeks, and the same diet supplemented with Hs extract at 5%, 10%, and 15% w/w (SD5, SD10, and SD15, respectively). The results indicate that only SD5 group did not exhibit significant difference in weight gain, food consumption and efficiency, compared to the SDc group. SD15 group exhibited an opposite effect, with a significant reduction in these three parameters. SD10 group responded similarly to the SD15 group, except for food consumption. Lipid absorption in SD5 group was significantly lower compared to the control group, and there was a greater concurrent excretion in SD5 fatty acid profile (16:0, 18:0, 18:1, and 18:2, respectively). Excretion was in the form of triacylglycerides, and these were hydrolyzed in order to quantify fatty acids. SD10 and SD15 groups did not show a significant difference in lipid absorption with respect to control. Their fatty acid excretion was similar, except for 16:0 and 18:0, which were greater in SD10 group. When comparing them to control, their excretion was greater. The excreted fatty acid concentration, in particular 16:0, differs in the three experimental groups (20, 7 and 4.5 times) in SD5, SD10, and SD15 respectively, compared to control. Considering that the lard used in the diet has a high concentration of 16:0 at position sn-2 of the glycerol molecule, and also that lingual and gastric lipase specificity is referred to the sn-1 and sn-3 positions, the following explanations were proposed: – Hs extract constituents with their original structure or one modified by intestinal microbial biota, promote interesterification from the glycerol sn-2 position to sn-1 and sn-3, thus making them susceptible to lipase attack. – After lipases action (sn-1 and sn-3), the resulting 2-monoacylglycerol is not absorbed by the enterocytes, due to a competitive saturation effect of the specific transport system, and it is subsequently excreted. – An inhibiting effect of some extract constituent on lipases would increase the excretion of intact triacylglycerides. These hypotheses on the high excretion of palmitate (16:0) require further studies in order to be validated.
2010	Hamster and human hepatocyte cell line HepG242	The effect of Hs extract and Hs polyphenols was investigated using hamsters. After one week of appropriate acclimatization, the hamsters were divided into 6 groups.; a control group fed a standard diet, one fed only an atherogenic diet, two groups with an atherogenic diet plus two different Hs extract levels (1%, 2% w/w), and two on atherogenic diet, but supplemented with Hs polyphenols (0.1%, 0.2% w/w). The experiment under these conditions lasted 10 weeks. Both Hs extract and polyphenols exhibited a hypolipidemic effect shown by a decrease in plasma and liver lipid levels, polyphenols being more potent in their action (total cholesterol decrease more than 60%). Another contribution of this work deals with the outcome of the studies made on hepatocytes HepG2 where cytotoxicity with Hs polyphenols at levels higher than 1 mg/mL was observed, although with Hs extract cell viability remains high (100%) even at 4.5 mg/mL. They also conducted experiments that revealed the effect of Hs extract and polyphenols in the dose-dependent decrease in fatty acid synthase and HMG-CoA reductase, through AMPK activation and sterol regulatory element binding protein SREBP-1 reduction, all of which lead to a decrease in hepatocyte lipid content.

Summaries of and comments on the series of studies on animal and human models which indicated antihyperlipidemic activity of Hs calyces extracts or compounds are listed below in chronological order (Table 3). The year, model used, reference, and observations from the research are presented.

In summary, some researchers have provided suggestions on the possible mechanisms involved to explain the antihyperlipidemic activity shown in animal and human models.

Some extract constituents, such as PCA, anthocyanins, and polyphenols, by trapping reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both plasma and interstitial fluid of the arterial wall are likely to act by inhibiting LDL oxidation and therefore atherosclerosis onset.

Hibiscus acid (+)hydroxycitric acid ((+)-HCA) undergoes racemization to (−)HCA, favored by microbial enzymes. (−)HCA has an inhibitory action on citrate lyase, thus preventing acetyl-CoA generation and hence triacylglyceride and cholesterol biosynthesis.

Extract constituents promote interesterification from the sn-2 position of glycerol to sn-1 and sn-3, thus promoting triacylglyceride degradation by lingual and gastric lipases, with the concomitant excretion of fatty acids. Inhibition of lingual and gastric lipases by extract constituents increases intact triacylglyceride excretion.

In ex vivo experiments, Yang and colleagues⁴² verified the antihyperlipidemic action of aqueous Hs extract, and specially indicated one type of component, the polyphenols. They proposed a decrease in hepatocyte lipid content resulting from dose-dependent fatty acid synthase and HMG-CoA reductase, through adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase activation and sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP-1) reduction.

Antihypertensive effects

Based on data from the National Health Survey⁴³ implemented in 2000, the prevalence of hypertension in Mexico was 30.5% (34.2% in males and 26.3% in females). While hypertension has previously been associated with populations of industrialized countries, according to the World Health Organization, this risk factor is now considered as a global health problem.

The consequences of hypertension are implicated in the development of cerebrovascular diseases, cardiac ischemia, as well as cardiac and renal failure. In turn, high blood pressure is included in the so-called metabolic syndrome, along with a high lipid profile (triacylglycerides, cholesterol, LDL).

Among the drugs used in allopathic medicine for the treatment of hypertension are: CO3 diuretics (eg, thiazides and analogs), CO2 antiadrenergic agents (eg, doxazosin), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, lisinopril), calcium-channel blockers (eg, amilodipine), beta blockers (eg, propanolol) and angiotensin II receptors (eg, saralasin and related analogs).

In chronological order, Table 4 summarizes studies in animal and human models related to the antihypertensive activity of Hs calyx, its extracts, or isolated compounds. The year, model used, references, and observations from the research are presented.

Table 4.

Studies on animal and human models which indicate antihypertensive activity of Hs calyces, Hs calyx extracts, or its isolated compounds (1991–2010)

Year	Model	Research
1991	a) Smooth muscle: rabbit (aorta), rat (uterus and diaphragm), guinea pig (trachea), and frog (rectus abdominis); b) Anesthetized cats44	The possible antispasmodic effect of Hs calyces on various muscle preparations (rabbit aorta, rat uterus and diaphragm, guinea pig trachea, and frog rectus abdominis) was investigated. Aqueous Hs extracts (2.5 ml per sample, equivalent to a concentration of 50 mg/mL) exercised a relaxing effect on smooth muscle and a hypotensive effect on anesthetized cats, partially blocked by atropine administration. The authors argue for the involvement of muscarinic receptors in the hypotensive action. It can be assumed that Hs constituents activate smooth muscle muscarinic receptors causing the release of endothelial relaxing factor (EDRF or nitric oxide).
1999	Human4	The efficacy of aqueous Hs extract (infusion) on hypertensive patients was evaluated. A 12.5 g Hs calyx infusion in 250 mL water was administered to an experimental group, as opposed to regular tea in a control group, for 12 days. The results showed a decrease of 11.2% in systolic and 10.7% in diastolic pressure in the experimental group after starting treatment. This pressure difference in both the systolic and diastolic was significant compared to the control group. Three days after stopping treatment, systolic pressure rose 7.9% and diastolic pressure 5.6% in both groups. Based on these results, the authors question whether the hypotensive effect is due to the diuretic effect of Hs or the presence of anthocyanins. Three mechanisms are proposed for the hypotensive effect: vascular resistance decreased due to inhibition of angiotensin I and angiotensin II production by ACE inhibitors; vasodilator hormone bradykinin was inactivated by ACE and levels of prostaglandins increased with a vasodilator effect.45
1999	Rat3	The effect of Hs extract toxicity on mice at different doses (1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight) was evaluated. A value of LD50 above 5000 mg/kg was obtained. Also the antihypertensive action of Hs extract on hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive (WKY) rats was studied. Both groups were subdivided into three groups: control (group 1), 500 mg/kg extract (group 2) and 1000 mg/kg extract (group 3). The results were monitored over a period of 21 days. After 7 days, there was no difference in body weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in SHR group 1 rats. After 7 days, in SHR group 2, systolic blood pressure was significantly lower than in group 1, although there was no significant reduction in body weight. With respect to group 3, death occurred in two out of five rats at 7 days. The others showed a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared with the control group and their own initial values. In WKY group 3, there was no reduction in body weight, systolic or diastolic pressure. After 21 days of continuous administration of the extract, body weight, systolic and diastolic pressure were significantly lower in SHR group 2. In SHR group 3, death of the three remaining rats occurred between 7 and 21 days. WKY rats had a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic pressure in both groups 2 and 3. In order to elucidate the possible mechanism by which the infusion of Hs calyx constituents lower blood pressure, the water intake, urine excretion and serum concentrations of creatinine, uric acid, cholesterol, glucose and total protein were monitored. There was no difference in water consumption in either control group. However, urine excretion in hypertensive rats (SHR group 2) was higher than in the control group. The other parameters suffered a significant decrease in rats treated with the extract, compared with the corresponding control groups, with the exception of serum uric acid levels, which showed a significant increase. This increase may be due to a change in extracellular fluid volume, there by affecting urate excretion. In sum, although the Hs calyx infusion can be effective as an antihypertensive therapeutic agent, knowledge of toxicity thresholds is useful for studies related to safety and tolerability.
2003	Rat10	The effect of aqueous Hs calyx extract on rats with induced renovascular hypertension by the surgical obstruction of the left renal artery (2K-1C) was studied. Another group underwent a simulated operation and served as control (Sh-Op). 2K-1C rats with recorded pressures above 140 mm Hg after 6 weeks were divided into two groups: those receiving 250 mg/kg/day Hs extract and those given only water (2K-1C + Hs and 2K-1C, respectively). At 8 weeks there was no significant difference found in blood pressure between 2K-1C + Hs and Sh-Op groups, but chronic treatment with Hs (14 weeks) normalized blood pressure in the 2K-1C + Hs group. A significant reduction in heart rate was observed in the 2K-1C + Hs group compared to the 2K-1C group. Cardiac hypertrophy associated with hypertension was significantly attenuated with chronic administration of Hs extract, the heart weight of 2K-1C + Hs group being comparable to that of Sh-Op group. The urinary flow rate in 2K-1C + Hs group compared to 2K-1C group, presented no significant difference. Based on this last point, the authors suggest that diuresis is not an important mechanism in Hs antihypertensive action. The reduction in heart rhythm speed may be due to Hs inotropic effects (−) and chronotropic effects (−) on isolated atria as reported previously.10,46 The authors note that hypertension pathogenesis may be due to increased vascular superoxide production thereby affecting the vasodilator action of nitric oxide, but, because they did not investigate the effect of Hs on oxidative stress parameters, a hypothesis cannot be proposed. However, the fact that the extract is rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins is mentioned, both potent antioxidants. Their function as free radical scavengers in 2K-1C hypertension remains speculative. Finally, this study supports the popular belief that Hs contains antihypertensive constituents.
2004	Human11	The antihypertensive effect and tolerability of an Hs extract standardized in terms of anthocyanins was investigated through clinical tests, relating it to captopril. Daily administration for 4 weeks of a water infusion of dry Hs calyces (9.6 mg HAs) was compared with 50 mg captopril. The results confirm that there was no significant difference in antihypertensive effectiveness or in tolerability in both treatments. The authors mention references to previous works where diverse mechanisms through which Hs extract can exert its hypotensive effect were explained. The increase only in urinary Na+ excretion (not K+) in treated patients, similar to what happens with diuretic administration of the spironolactone type (aldosterone antagonist), permits the establishment of the hypothesis that Hs diuretic activity is probably analogous to this drug group.
2007	Rat aorta21	The effect of methanolic Hs calyx extract was evaluated on vascular reactivity and antihypertensive mechanisms in rat aortas, previously contracted with potassium chloride (KCl) and phenylephrine. Methanolic Hs calyx extract induced a vasodilator effect in isolated aortas of hypertensive rats. The effect against contraction previously induced by phenylephrine or KCl was inhibited in the absence of endothelium. In the presence of endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine) or endothelium-independent (sodium nitroprusside) vasodilators, their effects were significantly improved, showing that methanolic Hs extract induces a vasodilator effect in aortas of hypertensive rats via a dependent as well as an independent mechanism in the endothelium. Dependent pathway activation arises from the relaxing effect of nitric oxide/cGMP. The independent pathway may be due to inhibition of Ca+2 influx.
2007	Human12	The therapeutic efficacy, tolerability, safety, serum electrolytes, and ACE inhibition of a standardized Hs extract in terms of anthocyanins, was investigated in hypertensive patients and compared with lisinopril. For this purpose randomized controlled double-blind clinical trials were carried out. Doses equivalent to 250 mg HAs of dried aqueous Hs extract (lyophilized) were administered daily for 4 weeks and compared with 10 mg lisinopril. Extract safety and tolerability were 100% and extract therapeutic effectiveness was 65.12% versus 82.14% for lisinopril. Hs hypotensive effect exhibited a decrease of 11.58%/12.21% for systolic/diastolic pressure compared with a 15.79%/15.68% effect for lisinopril. The administration of Hs extract inhibited plasma ACE activity and showed a tendency to reduce serum Na+ without altering K+ levels. Based on these results, the authors state that the extract’s active constituents exert their hypotensive activity with at least two complementary synergistic mechanisms: diuretic (probably an aldosterone antagonist) and ACE inhibition. The authors report that Hs possesses the properties of the two drug groups most often prescribed for hypertension treatment (ACE inhibitors and diuretics), with the advantage that diuretic activity does not alter K+ levels, as is the case of diuretics of the spironolactone type.
2007	Rat47	Relative efficiency of aqueous Hs extract was determined for 5 weeks in two models of experimental hypertension in rats induced by sodium chloride (NaCl) or by the methyl ester of N-L-arginine (L-NAME). The animals were divided into three groups: normotensive (group 1), NaCl-induced hypertensive (group 2), hypertensive induced by inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (L-NAME) at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day (Group 3). The femoral vein was cannulated for measuring blood pressure and for the administration of Hs extract (1, 5, 25, and 125 mg/kg, respectively). The results show that the average blood pressure (systolic + diastolic/2) before treatment with Hs extract was significantly higher in groups of hypertensive rats (Groups 2 and 3) compared with the control group. In turn, Group 3 had a blood pressure and heart rate significantly higher than Group 2. After intravenous administration of Hs extract at different concentrations, the fall in blood pressure was significantly higher in Groups 2 and 3 than in the control. At the highest extract dose (125 mg/kg), blood pressure in Group 2 fell 1.5 times more than control, while that of Group 3 fell about 2.5 times. The results show that aqueous Hs extract lowers blood pressure in hypertensive and normotensive rats, this difference being higher in hypertensive rats. This confirms the antihypertensive Hs activity reported in other experimental models.
2009	Human48	This study investigated the difference in antihypertensive effect between Hs tea preparation and black tea. Diabetic type 2 patients with slight hypertension but consuming neither antihypertensive nor antihyperlipidemic medicines were divided into two groups. In a double blind test, one group consumed Hs tea preparation (2 g calyx in 240 mL boiling water with 5 g added sugar) and the other group black tea (2 g loose tea in 240 mL boiling water with 5 g added sugar) for 1 month twice daily. There was no control group. For the Hs group, both systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure decreased, whereas the effects were the opposite in the black tea group. Diastolic pressure was not affected in either group. The authors agreed with previous studies that anthocyanins in the Hs preparation are the active principles that have the greatest effect on blood pressure, although the exact mechanism is not known.
2010	Human49	This study focused on the antihypertensive effects of Hs tea preparation in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Healthy adults with slight hypertension but not consuming any antihypertensive medicine were divided into two groups. The first group consumed Hs tea preparation (1.25 g Hs calyces in 240 mL boiling water), while the second group consumed an Hs mimicking drink prepared from artificial cranberry and raspberry flavor concentrates with added red color, for six weeks. Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in the Hs group (a greater decrease observed in participants with higher initial systolic blood pressure readings) but not so diastolic blood pressure. Mean arterial pressure was also not affected. These authors referred to previous studies that tried to elucidate the action mechanism behind this antihypertensive effect generally carried out in the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone blood pressure control system.
2010	ACE50	The authors assessed ACE from rabbit lung in vitro inhibition through monitoring the hydrolysis kinetics of N-[3-2-furyl)acryloyl]-L-phenylalanyl-glycyl-glycine (FAPGG) in the presence of either an initial aqueous Hs extract, a concentrated fraction of this extract or one of each of the anthocyanins (delphinidine-3-O-sambubioside and cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside) purified by semipreparative RP-HPLC. ACE activity was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by the aqueous Hs extract (IC50 40.04 μg/mL), by the anthocyanin concentrate (IC50 91.22 ± 5.74 μg/mL), by delphinidine-3-O-sambubioside (IC50 84.55 ± 2.21 μg/mL) and by cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside (IC50 64.81 ± 2.87 μg/mL). Lisinopril was used as an ACE control inhibitor (IC50 1.2 × 10−4 ± 1.2 μg/mL). The authors also referred to ten studies published between 198751 and 200752 that have shown flavonoid ACE inhibition capacity. Finally, they also include proposals from other studies to explain or justify ACE inhibitory action shown by flavonoids and polyphenols. One of them53 links this activity to the formation of chelate compounds between these type of phytochemicals and the catalytic zinc ion present in ACE or Zn-metallopeptidase. Another study54 states that an essential feature for any ACE inhibitor is to have a zinc coordinating group, and that this has been demonstrated by both crystal structure and structure-activity studies.

According to studies on the antihypertensive effect of Hs extract constituents, the researchers suggest the following probable mechanisms generally carried out in the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone blood pressure control system: aldosterone antagonist activity, similar to drugs such as spironolactone, leading to a diuretic effect; inhibition of ACE; muscarinic receptor activation of smooth muscle causing the release of nitric oxide or endothelial-relaxing factor; a vasodilator effect via endothelium-dependent and -independent mechanisms, with the dependent pathway through activation of nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate, and the independent pathway probably by inhibiting calcium ion flow into the cytosol.

In a systematic review of work published from 1991 to January 2009 related to the antihyperlipidemic capacity of Hs, Wahabi and colleagues⁵⁵ selected four studies,^4,11,12,48 all of which were carried out on humans. The analysis of the methodological procedures applied in these four studies was performed according to the Jadad scale.⁵⁶ Although there was one study¹² that scored higher (Jadad scale >3), the conclusion Wahabi and colleagues⁵⁵ reached was that all the studies analyzed “do not provide reliable evidence to support Hs for the treatment of primary hypertension in adults”.

One of the characteristics that Wahabi and colleagues identified as lacking in these studies is related to allocation concealment, which should be included in future studies. The high score achieved by the study also led Wahabi and colleagues to recommend, amongst other things, the conduct of studies with standardized active ingredient doses and for the studies to be developed over longer periods to detect possible adverse effects.

Effect on apoptosis

Apoptosis or programmed cell death: a brief review

The scientific literature reviewed up to now includes this property or characteristic for Hs calyx extract or for some constituents isolated from it. To realize the relative use of the concept of apoptosis and the as-yet-incomplete explanation of the mechanisms associated with it, a summarized review of apoptosis will be integrated here so that later its relation to Hs can be ascertained. This topic is dealt with in depth elsewhere.⁵⁷

The term, apoptosis (Gk. apo = to start off from and ptosis = fallen), was integrated into scientific vocabulary in the 1970s,⁵⁸ to describe a specific form of cellular death, a normal physiological component in development as well as in growth. Unlike necrosis, represented by lysis and death of the cell by an uncontrolled process, apoptosis is a genetically regulated route to maintain homeostasis in multicellular organisms.

An erroneous or unregulated operation of apoptosis is related to diverse health problems. Increased apoptosis is observed in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer disease, in autoimmune disorders, cardiac afflictions and infectious diseases including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.⁵⁹ On the other hand, decreased apoptosis characterizes cancer. Generally, two molecular mechanisms of apoptosis are accepted, based on the origin of the stimulus or signal: intrinsic or extrinsic (Figure 2). In both mechanisms, caspases (cystein-containing aspartate-specific proteases) are present. Caspases are a family of cystein proteases (cystein at its active site) that carry out the breaking of peptide bonds in proteins at the P1 site, next to an aspartate residue.

Figure 2.

Apoptotic cell pathways: death receptor or extrinsic pathway (Fas/FADD/Caspase 8/3) and mitochondrial pathway or intrinsic pathway (Cytochrome C/Apaf-1/ Caspase 9).

Simplified and adapted from Nijhawan et al.⁵⁷

In the intrinsic mechanism, the mitochondria receives a signal produced by cellular stress, which in turn can be caused among others factors by viral infection, damage to the DNA, deprivation of growth factors, or by oxidative stress by ROS. Members of the Bcl-2 protein family (an onco-protein) pro-apoptotics such as Vax, Bim, and Bad, as well as antiapoptotics Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, regulate the liberation of cytochrome C to the cytosol, and this sets in motion the caspase activation chain. When it is united with the Apaf-1 protein (apoptotic protease activator-1 factor) and adenosine triphosphate, this complex oligomerizes to be united with procaspase 9 to compose the well-known formation of an apoptosome. Subsequent to this formation, procaspase 9 rupture takes place which gives rise to the activation of a caspase effector, such as caspase 3.

In the case of the extrinsic mechanism, caspase activation implies initially the union of proteins binding death inducers to cellular surface receptors (death receptors). One of the most studied extrinsic mechanisms is the interaction of the Fas receiver, CD95, or APO-1, with the Fas-L ligand. This union promotes the following sequence: receptor trimerization, recruitment of specific adaptor proteins (Fas-associated protein with death domain [FADD]) and of zymogen (inactive) form molecules of caspase 8 (procaspase 8). This molecular complex (ligand–oligomer receptor+protein adaptor+procaspase), is called death-inducing signaling complex (DISC). Subsequently, procaspase-8 is a broken, self-catalytically producing caspase 8 (active form), which then breaks and activates caspase effectors such as caspase 3.

The point of contact between the intrinsic and extrinsic routes occurs in the activation of another member of the Bcl-2 protein family, the Bid, a proapoptotic in this case, by caspase-8 formed from the Fas/FADD contact. The Bid arrives at the mitochondria where it can initiate the intrinsic route.

In studies conducted⁶⁰ to characterize part of the molecular events that take place in the interaction of the Fas receptor with the Fas-L ligand, events were identified related to their link to the route of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). This MAPK superfamily is composed of three main signaling routes: the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases, the N-terminal c-Jun kinases (JNK) or stress-activated protein kinases, and the family of p38 kinases.⁶¹ The findings until now suggest that some of these kinases can activate the process of apoptosis initiated by the interaction of Fas with Fas-L or contribute to its rapid increase.

Hs and apoptosis

Lin and colleagues^17,19 specifically refer to Hs extract apoptotic activity. Another three articles^18,62,63 refer to the apoptotic action of 3,4-hydroxybenzoic acid or PCA, a reported component of Hs calyx extracts. Guan and colleagues⁶³ also described the capacity of PCA to suppress apoptosis.

A substantial difference between the first two articles mentioned above,^17,19 is the type of extract used. In the first article by Lin and colleagues,¹⁷ the experiment material was a methanolic extract (2 g dry powder, soluble in water, derived from 100 g Hs) characterized in terms of simple phenols (PCA, caffeic acid) and polyphenols (catechins), and in the other,¹⁹ a freeze-dried aqueous extract (7.5 g from 150 g dry Hs flowers) was characterized in terms of polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins.

We summarize data from the six articles below:

In the 2005 paper by Lin and colleagues,¹⁷ treatment was carried out with methanolic Hs extract on seven cell cancer lines: human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS), human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60), hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep3B), colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), hepatoblastoma (HepG2), adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), human oral epidermoid carcinoma (KB), and one control cellular line: mouse fibroblast cells. Evaluation of implied apoptotic pathway(s) was made. Methanolic Hs extract induced apoptosis in all cellular lines (seven cancer lines and one control) in a concentration-dependent form. The AGS cells were the most susceptible with a drug concentration resulting in 50% in vitro inhibition (IC₅₀) of 0.95 mg/mL compared to control cells (IC₅₀ of 2.98 mg/mL). Evidence that methanolic Hs extract promoted both apoptotic routes (intrinsic: phosphorylation by kinase p53; extrinsic: phosphorylation by kinase p-38) was observed.

In the 2007 paper by Lin and colleagues,¹⁹ treatment with aqueous Hs extract was carried out on two cell lines, one cancerous, AGS, and control, Chang hepatic cells (normal cells). Evaluation of implied apoptotic pathway(s) was made. The extract demonstrated effectiveness (cytotoxicity and apoptosis) on the AGS cellular line in a concentration-dependent form, but not on control cells. It was observed that aqueous Hs extract promoted both apoptotic routes. The fundamental difference between the present proposal of these authors compared with their 2005 proposal is that now the extract initially activates JNK and p38 MAP-kinases “that subsequently phosphorylate the c-Jun target protein and transduce the signal to activate the apoptotic protein cascade later that contains the signaling mediated by Fas (signaling module: FasL/Fas/caspase 8/t-Bid.)”. In synthesis, it is the point of contact between the extrinsic and intrinsic routes, caspase 8/Bid, that explains the double apoptotic route proposed by Lin and colleagues for the action of aqueous Hs extract.

In the 2000 paper by Tseng and colleagues,⁶² Treatment was carried out on HL-60 and Bcl-2 overexpressed human leukemia cells (HL60/Bcl-2-350), with PCA (0.2 to 2 mm) isolated from Hs. Inhibition of HL-60 cell survival was dependant on PCA concentration and time (2 mM; 9 hours). There was a delay in PCA-induced apoptosis in HL60/Bcl-2-350 cells.

In the 2004 paper by Kampa and colleagues,⁶³ treatment was carried out on human breast cancer T47D cells with different phenolic acids, PCA being one of them, with an inhibiting effect on T47D cell growth observed that was dependent on concentration and time. Apoptosis was via Fas–FasL.

In the 2006 paper by Guan and colleagues,⁶⁴ their assay involved PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cells (adrenal gland): (a) without treatment; (b) treated with a neurotoxic agent, 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP⁺); (c–e) treated with MPP⁺ and increasing doses of PCA (0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 mM, respectively). PCA significantly prevented the mitochondrial dysfunction that MPP⁺ ion produces. MPP⁺ is known to induce apoptosis and is linked to a decrease in the regulation of Bcl-2 protein family. In this case, it was observed that PCA significantly suppressed the decrease in regulation of this protein family. “PCA reduced MPP⁺ induced apoptosis, attenuating the change of mitochondrial membrane permeability that is linked to oxidative-stress damage.”

In the 2007 paper by Lin and colleagues,¹⁸ treatment was carried out on AGS cells, American Type Culture Collection CRL-1739, with PCA. An inhibitory effect on cell growth was observed, dependant on concentration and time. The IC₅₀ at 24 hours of exposure was 7.3 mm.

Several elements become evident from the above information. Based on the few studies done on Hs extracts, one proposal is that apoptosis develops by both routes (extrinsic and intrinsic), whereas those studies in which PCA has been used (also a limited number of studies), apoptosis develops by only one route. Although possible explanations have been proposed for the apoptosis models established for Hs extract or PCA action, there is a lack of a specific characterization of the molecular events that occur between those Hs active principles responsible for the signaling-route activation that triggers or regulates this particular apoptosis process. PCA’s observed double functionality is relevant for the eventual therapeutic effects that could be approved for PCA, an Hs extract constituent. It is clear that in cancer cells where apoptosis is diminished, PCA has shown to be apoptotic in action; elsewhere, in cells like those that serve as a model to study neuronal degeneration (cells treated with MPP⁺), where apoptosis is increased, PCA reduces it.

Summary and perspectives

The reviewed literature mainly involved studies on animal or human models, the physiological effects of Hs calyx, its extract (obtained in different, generally polar, solvents), or of the pure components present in the extract. Twelve articles referred to lipid metabolism activity, eleven to the antihypertensive effect, and six are linked to apoptosis. These scientific studies conducted to date confirm the validity of some of the popular uses compiled by ethnobotany and ethnopharmacognosy of the Hs calyx.

Of the three biological effects (lipid metabolism, antihypertensive effect, apoptosis) the most advanced research available on the mechanism of action of Hs calyx or its derivatives is that of the antihypertensive effect, which is associated with anthocyanin ACE inhibitor capacity. Nevertheless, those pharmacological studies conducted on animal and human models using plant extracts (complex chemical compound mixtures), although enriching chemical–biological knowledge, have largely lacked full standardization, a situation that has been overcome by partial standardizations. Also in the case of human clinical trials, there has not been the proper allocation concealment as mentioned above. The application of standardized samples of Hs extracts in terms of anthocyanins, total flavonoids, polyphenols, PCA, ash, calcium, iron, and magnesium among others, could make validated comparative analyses possible, thus allowing for the association of physiological action with specific chemical constituents, as well as forming a base for research into effectiveness, safety, and tolerability. It will also be necessary to complement this chemical characterization with the determination of residual pesticides, heavy metals, and aflatoxins. A challenge still to be met is the elucidation of events related to the therapeutic action of Hs extract-specific compounds at the molecular level. This could explain the structure–function relationship of these compounds with their action on lipid metabolism as well as their antihypertensive, apoptotic, or antiapoptotic effects.

Future studies on Hs extract with greater scientific robustness will permit the formulation of safe, effective herbal therapeutic products recognized by international health organizations such as the European Medicines Agency’s Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products for their use in humans in relation to the pathologies mentioned above. The calyx or Hs derivatives (extracts and isolated components) need to undergo complementary scientific studies in order to transition from traditional herbal medicinal products to medicinal products with acceptable levels of safety, efficiency and tolerability. This is the challenge.