1.1 Introduction
Hibiscus sabdariffa commonly named as “red sorrel” or “roselle” is a member of malvaceae family. It is a medicinal plant with a worldwide fame and has more than three hundred species which are distributed in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Roselle can adapt to a variety of soil in a warmer and more humid climate. Roselle is rich in organic acids including citric, malic, tartaric and allo-hydroxycitric acids. Hibiscus has more than three hundred species distributed in tropical and subtropical regions around the world and are used as ornamental plants. Research on have shown that some species of Hibiscus possess certain medicinal properties of which Hibiscus sabdariffa is one (Yadong et al., 2005). Roselle is mainly cultivated to be consumed and the main producers of Roselle blossoms are Egypt, Sudan, Mexico, Thailand and China. Other hibiscus varieties are planted for their fibers they produce (Naturland, 2002).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Hibiscus sabdariffa belongs to the super order Malvaceae and it is believed to originate from East Africa (Ilondu et al., 2007). The plant is widely cultivated for its strong fibers and it is well known for its edibility and medicinal properties, though the calyx is the most frequently used portion of the plant, the leaves and seeds are often made into salads, curries and potherbs (Okereke et al., 2015). Hibiscus sabdariffa is known as ‘roselle’ in Australia and Ivory Coast and Zobo in Nigeria (Chau et al., 2000). The plant is used traditionally in many folk medicines (Adesokan et al., 2013). It is reported to be antihypertensive, antiseptic, sedative, diuretic, digestive, purgative, emollient, demulcent and astringent (Odigie et al., 2003).
Roselle, the safe medicinal plant (Abbas et al., 2011), having various medically important compounds called phytochemicalsis well known for delicacy and also for its nutritional and medicinal properties (Arvind et al., 2011). The application of the plant in managing different medical problems including cancer, inflammatory diseases, and different cardiovascular problems has been well investigated by different scholars in different settings (Okereke et al., 2015).
Roselle is an annual plant which takes about six months to mature. The leaves of Roselle plants are divided into three to five lobes and they are arranged on the stem alternately. There are more than 300 tropical and sub-tropical Hibiscus species (Anderson, 2006). Roselle or Jamaica sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a unique species cultivated in many tropical regions for its leaves, seeds, stem and calyces which, the dried calyces are used to prepare tea, syrup, jams and jellies as beverages (Eslaminejad et al., 2011).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Biochemical Health Benefits of Hibiscus Sabdariffa.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that many parts of Roselle including seeds, leaves, fruits and roots are used in various foods as well as in herbal medicine as a potential non-pharmacological treatment. Different extracts from Roselle plays a crucial role in treating different medical problems including many cardiovascular disorders, helmenthic disease and cancer. The plant also act as an anti oxidant and used in obesity management.
Extracts from Roselle plays a crucial role in treating different medical problems including many cardiovascular disorders and cancer but further researches are required to know its exact mechanism of action and to formulate food products using Roselle with locally grown food items. Obesity is a growing problem, affecting not only adults but also children. The application of the plant in managing different medical problems including cancer, inflammatory diseases, and different cardiovascular problems has been well investigated by different scholars in different settings (Okereke et al., 2015).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to identify the Biochemical Health Benefits of Hibiscus Sabdariffa. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To assess the applications and production process of Roselle plants;
- To examine the food uses and value of Hibiscus sabdariffa plant; and
- To investigate the health benefit effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa on some clinical, biochemical and hematological parameters in humans.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the food uses and value of Hibiscus sabdariffa plant?
- What is the applications and production process of Roselle plants?
- What are the health benefit effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa on some clinical, biochemical and hematological parameters in humans?
1.6 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Biochemical Health Benefits of Hibiscus Sabdariffa.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
