Hibiscus: A Multipurpose Medicinal Plant

The continent of Africa made up of numerous countries of which Cameroon is part, is naturally endowed with several plant species which have nutritional and medicinal benefits [1] Hibiscus being one of them. The genus Hibiscus consists of about 300 species that are grown throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world [2] such as Hibiscus syriacus, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, just to name a few. The various species of this plant grow in different climatic zones and all provide diverse medicinal or therapeutic benefits for the population in these areas in which they thrive. This is because they contain various ingredients or components such as fruit acids [3], antioxidants [4] and polyphenolic compounds [5]. These substances have positive effects in the treatment of ailments as the term “medicinal” implies, which simply means they posess healing properties.