Study on Quality Standard of Hibiscus trionum L.

[Objectives]To establish the quality standard for Hibiscus trionum L.[Methods]The moisture,total ash,acid insoluble ash and extract of H.trionum L.were determined by the method of Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition.The medicinal materials were qualitatively identified by microscopic identification and TLC,and the content of quercetin was determined by HPLC.[Results]The moisture,total ash,acid insoluble ash and extract contents of the 12 batches of samples were 7.69%-12.94%,10.44%-14.62%,1.89%-3.64%,16.56%-21.81%,microscopic characteristic was obvious,and a method for TLC and content determination of H.trionum L.was established.[Conclusions]A perfect quality standard was established,which can be used for the quality control of H.trionum L.

Comparative Effect of Adding Synthetic Citric Acid to Natural Lemon Juice (Citrus aurantiifolia) on the Stability of Hibiscus Drinks Stored at 4°C and 37°C

The general objective of the work is to compare the effect of the addition of synthetic citric acid compared to the addition of natural fruit juice of Citrus aurantiifolia on the conservation of drink based on red chalice H. sabdariffa. The tests were carried out over a period of 5 weeks at 4°C and 37°C with seven batches of beverage samples prepared at the rate of a calyx/water ratio of 1/40 (kg·kg-1) and added respectively citric acid at 1, 2 and 4 g·L-1 and lemon juice at 10, 20 and 40 mL·L-1. The characterization of the different batches of beverages was carried out from day one. A follow-up of the residual anthocyanin content and the intensity of the red coloring were carried out over five weeks. The anthocyanin concentration was determined by the pH-differential method. The red color degradation index is determined based on the CIELAB color system (L*, a*, b* and L*). R and Minitab 18 software was used for data processing. The results of the monitoring of the parameters showed that the concentration of 1 g AC L-1 retains 2.7 mg more of the anthocyanins than adding 10 mL JC L-1 and longer maintains red color when stored at 4°C and 37°C/5 weeks. The 2 g AC L-1 and 4 g AC L-1 ratios have the same effects as the addition of 20 and 40 mL of lemon juice, all accelerating the degradation of anthocyanins and the red color. After 5 weeks of storage at 37°C, the effect of the temperature combined with the increase in the acidity of the samples (2 to 4 g AC L-1 and 20 to 40 ml JC L-1), have accelerated the total disappearance of the red color on all samples.

Production of Cashew Apple Wine Enriched with Hibiscus sabdariffa Extracts

This study focuses on enhancing the value of agricultural products by developing a process to produce wine from cashew apples enriched with extracts from Hibiscus sabdariffa. The formulation consisted of a blend of cashew apple juice and Hibiscus calyxes in a ratio of 90:10 (w/w). The Hibiscus calyxes were added at three different stages: before, during, and after fermentation. The physico-chemical analysis of the resulting wines revealed a pH range of 3.073 ± 0.005 to 3.583 ± 0.015 and acidity levels ranging from 4.018 ± 0.028 to 5.628 ± 0.059 g/L. The alcoholic strength ranged from 13.54% ± 0.036% to 13.86% ± 0.04%, with a soluble dry extract of 7.2 ± 0.25 to 8.1 ± 0.28 °B. Regardless of the stage of Hibiscus calyx addition, the fermentation kinetics and physico-chemical parameters met the standards set for wines.

Genetic Diversity Analysis of 44 Shares of Hibiscus cannabinus L. Germplasm Resources Using ISSR Molecular Marker

[Objective] This study was to reveal the genetic diversity and genetic relationship of the kenaf(Hibiscus cannabinus L.) resources from different origins, thus providing basis for genetic improvement and molecular marker-assisted breeding of kenaf. [Method] Ninety one ISSR molecular markers were used for amplification on 44 shares of kenaf germplasm resources, of which 21 showing good diversity and clear bands were chosen for PCR amplification. Based on amplification results, the genetic similarity coefficients among kenaf germplasm resources were calculated by using analytic software NTSYSpc-2.10e, and phylogenetic tree was then established via UPGMA. [Result] Totally 169 bands were amplified using the 21 screened primers, averagely 8.05 bands were amplified from each primer. Of them, 141 bands were polymorphic, accounting for 83.4%. When genetic similarity coefficient 0.887 was used as criterion L1, these 44 shares of kenaf germplasm could be classified to be 32 shares of cultivars and 12 shares of wild type or half-wild type varieties. When genetic similarity coefficient 0.897 was used as criterion L2, these 32 shares of cultivars could be further grouped into four sub-clusters. The genetic diversities between cultivars and wild type or half-wild type varieties were between 0.46-0.91, showing huge hereditary difference; while that among 32 cultivars were between 0.85-0.97, suggesting that genetic relationships among cultivars are relatively close and their genetic similarities are rather narrow. [Conclusion] ISSR could well determine the genetic similarities among kenaf germplasm resources and provide valuable molecular information for selecting parents of hybrid cross, which can lay a good foundation for DNA mapping of kenaf germplasm resources.

Isolation of the mucilages from Hibiscus rosasinensis linn.and Okra(Abelmoschus esculentus linn.) and studies of the binding effects of the mucilages

Objective:To isolate and evaluate comparatively the binding efficacy of the mucilages obtained from the plants of Hibiscus rosasinensis and Okra(Abelmoschus esculentus).Methods:Extraction of mucilages from the leaves of Hibiscus and pods of Okra(Ladies finger) was carried out by a cold maceration process.The extracted mucilages were subjected to various physicochemical properties for its suitability as an excipient in the formulation of tablet dosage form.Different concentrations(10,8,5,2 and 1%w/v) of binder solutions of Hibiscus and Okra were used for the formulation of tablets and the formulated tablets were evaluated by studying the standard parameters like diameter,thickness,weight variation,hardness,friability,disintegration and in vitro dissolution.Stability studies of the formulated tablets were conducted for four weeks. Results:The formulated tablets prepared using the mucilages of both Hibiscus and Okra had good appearance.The in vitro drug release profile of the tablets prepared using Okra mucilage had an optimum of 90%at a mucilage concentration of 1%w/v concentration mucilage itself within 4 h.Conclusions:According to the observations,the lower concentration levels of Okra can be used as an alternative binder to starch.The higher concentration levels of Okra mucilage show a slow and sustained release,and can be considered as an alternative natural excipient in the modified drug delivery systems.At the same time,the above natural excipient of Hibiscus mucilage could be used as a platform for prolonged release if its binder concentrations are increased.

A survey on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis,Alcea rosea L.and Malva neglecta Wallr as antibacterial agents

Objective:To guide for selection of plants with antibacterial activity for further phytochemical works on the isolation and identification of the active compounds.Methods:Ethanolic extracts of 3 species from Malvaceae family were evaluated by agar disc diffusion method for antibacterial activity against some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria(Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Listeria monocytogenes,Staphylococcus epidermidis.Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae.Salmonella typhi,Bacillus cereus.Bacillus anthracis,Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pyogenes).The extracts were obtained from aerial parts of Hibiscus rosa(H. rosa)-sinensis(leaf and flower),Alcea rosea(A.rosea) L.(leaf and flower) and Malva neglecta(M. neglecta) Wallr(flower).Results:These extracts had inhibitory effects at different concentrations (0.05,0.10,0.20 and 0.40 g/mL) against above mentioned bacteria.Escherichia coli was the most resistant strain.The highest inhibitory zone was showed by ethanolic extract of M.neglecta against Staphylococcus epidermidis(22 mm) and followed by ethanolic extract from flower of H.rosa against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus(20 mm).The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration(MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration(MBC) values against Staphylococcus epidermidis were equal(M1C=MBC=5 mg/mL for M.neglecta extract and for H. rosa extract MIC=MBC=20 mg/mL).Conclusions:These findings suggest that these native plants have good antibacterial properties that can be used for infection control and treatment and could also be as new source for antibiotics discovery and infection treatment.

In vitro antibacterial activity of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower extract against human pathogens

Objective:To access the in vitro antibacterial activity of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis(H.rosa-sinensis) flower extract against human pathogens.Methods:Antibacterial activity was evaluated by using disc and agar diffusion methods.The protein was run through poly acrylmide gel electrophoresis to view their protein profile.Results:The results showed that the cold extraction illustrates a maximum zone of inhibition against Bacillus suhtillis(B.suhtillis),Escherichia coli(E.coli) viz.,(17.00±2.91),(14.50±1.71)mm.followed by hot extraction against.E.coli.Salmonella sp.as(11.66 ±3.14),(10.60±3.09)mm.In methanol extraction showed a highest zone of inhibition recorded against B.suhtillis,E.coli as(18.86±0.18),(18.00±1.63) mm pursued by ethanol extraction shower) utmost zone of inhibition recorded against Salmonella sp.at(20.40±1.54) mm.The crude protein from flower showed a maximum inhibitory zone observed against Salmonella sp.,E.coli viz.,(16.55±1.16),(14.30±2.86)mm.The flower material can be taken as an alternative source of antibacterial agent against the human pathogens.Conclusions:The extracts of the H.rosasinensis art;proved to have potential antibacterial activity,further studies arc highly need for the drug development.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Hibiscus aridicola, an endangered ornamental species in dry-hot valleys of Jinsha River

Hibiscus aridicola is an endangered ornamental shrub of the family Malvaceae that is endemic to the dryhot valleys of Jinsha River in southwestern China.This species is a typical plant species with extremely small populations(PSESP).To support and monitor future conservation,develop management measures,and genotype this species,we performed extensive field studies together with genetic analyses.Specifically,we screened eleven microsatellite loci of 69 individuals of H.aridicola from four accessions.The population genetics analyses indicated that H.aridicola possesses high genetic diversity at both the population(0.6962-0.7293)and species level(0.7837)compared to other endemic/endangered species in China.The low differentiation of populations(Fst=0.0971)and the high gene flow between populations of H.aridicola(Nm=2.3236)could be due to its distribution along rivers in the hot-valleys of the Jinsha River and the wind-mediated dispersal of its seeds.Furthermore,the genetic diversity of H.aridicola is slightly positively correlated with geographic distance.Two populations are undergoing a genetic bottleneck,and require more specific attention from conservationists.Additionally,our analyses of the population genetics of H.aridicola demonstrate that the declines in populations are not the result of the internal genetics of these populations but due to external human activities over the past decades.

Anti-hypercholesterolemic effect of kenaf(Hibiscus cannabinus L.)seed on high-fat diet Sprague dawley rats

Objective:To determine? the anlihypercholesterolemic effects of kenaf seed samples and compare with the commercial hypocholesterolemic drug on serum lipids profiles and malondialdehyde(MDA) level in the rat.Methods:Kenaf seed oil(KSO),microencapsulated kenaf seed oil(MKSO),kenaf seed extract(KSE) and defatted kenaf seed meal(DKSM) were prepared and phytocHemicals screening on these samples were done prior in viro study.Phenolic compounds in KSF.were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography.There were 40(divided in eight diet groups of 5) male Sprague dawley rats adapted lo normal standard diet or hypercholesterolemic diet(HD) with or without the treatment of these kenaf samples for 32 days.Results:All the kenaf samples exhibited to contain most of the major phytocliemicals.KSE possessed gallic acid,tannic acid,catechin.benzaldehyde.benzoic acid,syringic acid,sinapic acid,ferulic acid,naringin acid,and protocatechuic acid.The significant higher(P<0.05) serum total cholesterol,low density lipoprotein cholesterol and MDA levels in HD group without treatment than the normal control group suggested the hypercholesterolemia was induced by the Incorporation of cholesterol into diet.KSE exhibited higher cholesterol-lowering properties due to the significant lower(P<0.05)in serum triglycerides,total cholesterol and MDA levels.KSF showed the highest efficiency of cholesterol-lowering activity,followed by KSO.MKSO and DKSM.Conclusions:DKSM.MKSO.KSO and KSE appeared lo have comparable anti-hypercholesterolemic effect with the commercial hypocholesterolemic drug.Hence,kenaf seed could be used as an alternative natural source lo replace the synthetic hypocholosterolemic drugs.

Effects of extracts from Hibiscus macranthus and Basella alba mixture on testosterone production in vitro in adult rat testes slices

Aim： To find an in vitro system for the measurement of the androgenic effects of different extracts of Hibiscus macranthus （Malvaceae） and Basella alba （Basellaceae）. Methods： The production of testosterone from testes slices incubated in two media, either Krebs-Henseleit buffer containing 0.5% Bovine serum albumin （BSA） or Dubecco＇s Modified Eagle＇s medium-F12 Ham nutrient mixture （DME/Ham F12）, under a mixture of 5% CO2 in 95% air was determined either in the presence or absence of cofactors and Hibiscus macranthus plus Basella alba （HMBA） extracts. Results： The testosterone production was increased in testes slices incubated in DME/Ham F12 medium in response to the cofactors （49%） and aqueous extracts （34%-60% according to dilutions）. Under the same atmospheric conditions, there was no positive response of the testes slices to either cofactor or HMBA extract stimulation in Krebs-Henseleit buffer containing 0.5% BSA, In further investigations related to the effect of HMBA, the DME/ Ham F12 medium was used. The results obtained from the in vitro test showed that the activity was present mainly in methylene chloride and methanol, since these extracts induced an increase in testosterone production by testes slices. Conclusion： The testes slice system is suitable to be used for further in vitro investigations of the isolation of androgenic bioactive components of plants. （Asian J Androl 2006 Jan; 8： 111-114）

Hibiscus sabdariffa extractivities on cadmium-mediated alterations of human U937 cell viability and activation

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of the anthocyanin-rich extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (H. sabdariffa) calyx on the viability of cadmium-treated U937 cells and cadmium-mediated activation of U937-derived macrophages.MethodsThe macrophage cell line U937 was treated with cadmium (0.1 μ mol/L) and later incubated with the anthocyanin-rich extract and cell viability was assessed via trypan blue staining. In the other experiment, the U937 cells were transformed to the macrophage form by treatment with phorbol 12, myristate 13, and acetate and incubated with cadmium (10 μ mol/L). The anthocyanin-rich extract was added to the cells later and subsequently, the supernatant of each cell culture was analysed for the production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), nitric oxide, and catalase activity as indices for the activation of macrophages.ResultsIt revealed that the anthocynanin-rich extract significantly (P < 0.05) increased the viability of the cells which was suppressed by cadmium when compared to quercetin dihydrate. The extract also reduced the cadmium-mediated production of the markers of macrophage-activation when compared to quercetin dihydrate. In both experiments, the activity of the extract was concentration-dependent (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe findings show that H. sabdariffa possesses significant immunoprotective effect. These corroborate the immense reported antioxidant and medicinal potential of the calyces of the plant which could be exploited for pharmacological and neutraceutical advantages.

Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Hibiscus rosa sinensis Linn.leaves in experimental colitis in rats

Objective:To elucidate the ameliorative effect of liydrualcuholic extract of leaves of Hibiscus rosa sinensis(HRS) in acetic acid induced experimental colitis in male wistar rats.Methods: The animals were administered with 2 mL acetic acid(4%) via intra rectal.The animals were divided into various treatment groups(n=6).Prednisolone was used as standard drug and HRS was administered at a dose of 50,100 and 200 mg/kg p.o.The control group of animals received 1 mL of vehicle(distilled water).Ulcer area,ulcer index,spleen weight,colon weight to length ratio, macroscopic score,haemalological parameters,colonic superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione(GSH),myeloperoxidase(MPO),malondialdchyde(MDA),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNK- α), nitric oxide(NO) and histological changes were recorded after the treatment regimen of 11 days. Results:Intrarectal instillation of acetic acid caused enhanced ulcer area,ulcer index,spleen weight,colon weight to length ratio,colonic MPO,MDA,NO and TNF-α It caused significant decreased level of SOD and GSH.Pretreatment with HRS for 7 days exhibited significant effect in lowering of oxidative stress,colonic NO,TNF- α and elevation of SOD and GSH at a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg in acetic acid induced colilis.Conclusions:The present investigation demonstrates HRS is of potent therapeutic value in the amelioration of expcrimenlal colilis in laboralory animals by inhibiting the proinflammatory mediator like NO and TNK-α.

Free radical scavenging activity of three different flowers-Hibiscus rosa-sinensis,Quisqualis indica and Senna surattensis

Objective:To evaluate three flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis(H.rosa-sinensis),Quisqualis indica(Q.indica) and Senna surattensis(S.surattensis) for their antioxidant activity by different methods in addition to total phenolic,flavonoid and pigment contents.Methods:Antioxidant activity of water,ethanol and absolute ethanol extracts of three flowers; H.rosa-sinensis,Q.indica and S.surattensis was evaluated.The antioxidant activity was assessed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity,ferrous chelating activity,reducing power,nitric oxide scavenging activity,hydroxyl radical scavenging activity as well as total antioxidant capacity.Total flavonoids,total phenols and total pigments including chlorophylls and carotenoids were measured for the three flowers.Results:The results showed that the highest total antioxidant capacity at concentration of 500 mg/L was found in S.surattensis as 0.479 ± 0.001.Scavenging activity of H.rosasinensis,Q.indica and S.surattensis flower extracts against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical showed the highest activity of(90.20 ± 0.29)% with 500 mg/L.Phytochemical screening of the three flowers extracts were carried out for alkaloids,flavonoids,saponins,tannins,steroids,glycosides,terpenoids,amino acid and mucilages.H.rosa-sinensis showed the total phenolic in water extract of(235.77 ± 14.31) mg/100 g,the other two flowers Q.indica and S.surattensis had the total phenolic in ethanol extracts of(937.70 ± 25.06) and(850.30 ± 13.81) mg/100 g,respectively.On the other hand total flavonoids were identified in absolute ethanol extracts in the three flowers[(32.83 ± 1.34),(49.24 ± 4.87) and(2.79 ± 0.23) mg/100 g,respectively].Conclusions:The extracts in the constituents of the three flowers could be used as additives as supplement fractions in foods.

Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. fruit extracts on α-glucosidase enzyme,glucose diffusion and wound healing activities

Objective:To provide in vitro evidence for antidiabetic activity through potential inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme,glucose diffusion and enhancement in the wound healing using methanolic extract and fractions from Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.fruit.Methods:The inhibitory action of methanolic extract and fractions of such fruit on aglucosidase enzyme and glucose movement through in vitro assay assessment was reported.Their activities on wound healing were tested using the scratch assay.Results:Ethyl acetate fraction at 50 mg/m L concentration exhibited significant aglucosidase inhibition(95.79 mg/m L) with P < 0.05.At the same concentration,the methanolic extract as well as other fractions revealed lower α-glucosidase inhibition and higher glucose diffusion retardation across the dialysis tube than the control.Ethyl acetate and butanol fractions displayed notably higher glucose diffusion inhibitory activity of 5.21 mmol/L and 5.2 mmol/L,respectively as compared to methanolic extract and n-hexane fraction of 6.58 mmol/L and 6.49 mmol/L,respectively.Conversely,compared to other fractions the methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction manifested proliferative effect at the incubation time of 6 h during the wound healing study.Conclusions:It is established that methanolic extract and fractions from H.sabdariffa Linn.fruit can inhibit the α-glucosidase enzyme and glucose movement as well as influence the wound healing activity positively.

Phytotoxicity of Chromium on Germination, Growth and Biochemical Attributes of <i>Hibiscus esculentus</i>L.

Chromium is found in all phases of the environment, including air, water and soil. The contamination of environment by chromium has become a major area of concern. Chromium effluent is highly toxic to plant and is harmful to their growth and development. In present study, a pot experiment was carried out to assess the phytotoxicity of chromium in Hibiscus esculentus at different concentration (0.5, 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 mg·kg-1) of chromium metal. The phytotoxic effect of chromium was observed on seed germination, seedling growth, seedling vigor index, chlorophyll content and tolerance indices of Hibiscus esculentus. All results when compared with control show that chromium metal adversely affects the growth of Hibiscus esculentus by reducing seed germination and decreasing seedling growth. The toxic effects of chromium metal to seed germination and young seedling are arranged in order of inhibition as: 0.5 > 2.5 > 5 > 10 > 25 > 50 > 100 mg·kg-1 respectively. The toxicity of chromium metal to young seedling and their effects on chlorophyll content were increased with higher concentration of chromium in the soil system. The major inhibitory effect of chromium in Hibiscus esculentus seedling was determined as stress tolerance index (%). The present study represents that the seed and seedling of Hibiscus esculentus has potential to counteract the deleterious effects of chromium metal in soil.

Insecticidal Active of Hibiscus trionum L against Wolfberry Aphis

[Objective] The contact toxicity of the extracts from Hibiscus trionum L with different solvents against wolfberry aphis was studied.[Method] The drop method was used for the determination of the insecticidal activities.[Result] 95% ethanol extract displayed the higher contact toxicity on wolfberry aphis and the corrected mortality rate of wolfberry aphids increased with the increasing of the concentration and the prolongation of treating time.The corrected mortality rate in 48 h reached 97.04% under the concentration of 50.00 g/L.The regression equation of virulence was y=1.791 0x＋3.750 2 and LC50 =4.986 7 g/L.The insecticidal activities of five extracts against wolfberry aphids were as follows：chloroformpetroleum etherethyl acetaten-butanol water.The corrected mortality rate of chloroform extract in 48 h was 97.04%.[Conclusion] The study provided a certain reference for further research and its development of H.trionum and its development of new types of botanical pesticide.

Selective Cytotoxicity and Apoptogenic Activity of Hibiscus Sabdariffa Aqueous Extract Against MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cell Line

Background: Herbal compounds are attractive anticancer candidates due to their low toxicity. Pervious studies have demonstrated that Hibiscus sabdariffa is promising as an anticancer agent against several cancer types;however, its potential therapeutic role in breast cancer remains to be investigated. Materials and Methods: In the present study, the cytotoxic effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract (HSE) on a human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) and fetal foreskin fibroblast (HFFF) were investigated. Different concentrations of water extract of calyces were added and the percentage of cell survival was determined after 24, 48, and 72 hours using an MTT assay. Apoptosis induction was assessed by DNA fragmentation. Results: At the concentration of 0.5 mg/ml of the extract and following 72 hours of incubation, the number of viable MCF-7 cells was less than 50%. The extract was not cytotoxic against normal HFFF cells in all tested concentrations. Also, HSE induced apoptosis only in MCF-7 cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that HSE inhibits the growth of MCF-7 cells selectively in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. As this herbal substance has been shown to be nontoxic at very high doses in experimental animals, it might be a good anticancer drug candidate for breast cancer treatment.

Study on the anti-RSV mechanism of extracts from Hibiscus mutabilis leaf in vitro

Objective:To study the anti-respiratory syncytial viruses(RSV) mechanism of extracts from Hibiscus mutabilis leaf in vitro.Methods:Elibavirin was used as the positive drug to detect the anti-RSV activity of extracts from Hibiscus mutabilis leaf. By observing the antiviral effect of the extracts of Hibiscus mutabilis leaf in different ways of administration, the anti-RSV mechanism of the extracts of Hibiscus mutabilis leaf was preliminarily explored.Results:Hibiscus mutabilis leaf extracts could effectively inhibit the cytopathic changes caused by RSV, and had significant antiviral effect. The therapeutic index (TI) was 86.24.Conclusion:Hibiscus mutabilis leaf extracts have significant anti-RSV effect in vitro, and their antiviral effect occurs after virus penetration.

Effect of Different Sowing Dates on Disease Initiation and Development of Roselle (<i>Hibiscus sabdariffa</i>L.) Leaf Spot Disease Caused by <i>Coniella musaiensis</i>Var. <i>hibisci</i>in Makurdi, Central Nigeria

The experiment was conducted mainly to investigate the effect of change in sowing dates on disease severity of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) leaf spot caused by Coniella musaiensis Var hibisci, plant height, number of branches, number of fruits and calyx yield of Roselle (H. sabdariffa L). Five dates were selected with an interval of fourteen days (14) between the dates for two years (2003 and 2004) to determine the most appropriate time to sow the crop using two Roselle accessions;green (Acc1) and red (Acc3).The first date was determined by the establishment of the rains in the season. It was observed that change in sowing dates had significant (p = 0.05) effect on disease severity but not on plant height, number of branches, number of fruits and calyx yield. Plants sown on July 18/27 had lowest disease indices;and are thus the best and therefore recommended for cropping of Roselle.

Hibiscus sabdariffa extract inhibits in vitro biofilm formation capacity of Candida albicans isolated from recurrent urinary tract infections

Objective:To explore the prevention of rerurrent candiduria using natural based approaches and to study the antimicrobial effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa(H.sabdariffa) extract and the biofilm forming capacity of Candida albicans strains in the present of the H.sabdariffa extract.Methods:In this particular study,six strains of fluconazole resistant Candida albicans isolated from recurrent candiduria were used.The susceptibility of fungal isolates,time-kill curves and biofilm forming capacity in the present of the H.sabdariffa extract were determined.Results:Various levels minimum inhibitory concentration of the extract were observed against all the isolates.Minimum inhibitory concentration values ranged from 0.5 to 2.0 mg/mL Timekill experiment demonstrated that the effect was fungistatic.The biofilm inhibition assay results showed that H.sabdariffa extract inhibited biofilm production of all the isolates.Conclusions:The results of the study support the potential effect of H.sabdariffa extract for preventing recurrent candiduria and emphasize the significance of the plant extract approach as a potential antifungal agent.