Evaluación de los compuestos bioactivos de Hibiscus sabdariffa (Jamaica) producida en la amazonia ecuatoriana

Hibiscus sabdariffa, commonly known as roselle, is a widely studied plant due to its high content of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antihypertensive, and hepatoprotective properties. In Ecuador, the eastern region presents favorable conditions for its cultivation; however, there are still few studies on its chemical characterization and bioactivity. This review aims to evaluate the main bioactive compounds of H. sabdariffa produced in the Ecuadorian Amazon, its functional properties, and its potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. A systematic search was conducted in scientific databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar, selecting studies published between 2019 and 2024. Factors influencing the chemical composition of the calyces were analyzed, as well as the most efficient extraction methods, with ultrasound-assisted and heat extraction standing out. The results indicate that the concentration of anthocyanins and polyphenols in H. sabdariffa varies according to agroecological conditions and processing methods. Additionally, limitations were identified in the stability of these compounds during the storage of derived products, suggesting the need to optimize conservation strategies. It is concluded that H. sabdariffa has high potential for its utilization in Ecuador; however, further studies are needed to standardize its production processes and evaluate its therapeutic applications through clinical trials.