ISSN 2348-313X (Print) International Journal of Life Sciences Research ISSN 2348-3148 (online) Vol. 8, Issue 4, pp: (51-54), Month: October - December 2020, Available at: www.researchpublish.com
Nutritional Analysis of Jamaica’s Hibiscus sabdariffa (Sorrel Calyxes, Seeds, And Leaves) D. A. Chambers1, P. A. Gyles1., A. Miller1 1
Department of Biology and Chemistry, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica W.I.
Correspondence to: P. A. Gyles, Dean of Graduate Studies Northern Caribbean University, Manchester, Jamaica WI, Tel: 8769637149; E-mail: pgyles@ncu.edu.jm
Abstract: Hibiscus sabdariffa has been reported to have nutraceutical properties. Work done locally on different varieties was reported on main consumable portion, the calyxes. This research sought to include seeds and leaves. This research also sought to report on nutritional content found in the local traditional red variety, not reported prior. Extracts from sorrel’s calyxes, seeds, and leaves were analyzed for presence of carbohydrate, protein, lipid, iron, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and copper. Carbohydrate was higher in leaves and calyxes while protein and lipid were higher in seeds. Seeds had higher concentrations of copper along with lowest concentration of sodium and calcium; leaves had higher concentrations of magnesium, and iron; whilst calyxes had a higher concentration of potassium. While calyxes are main consumable portions locally, data suggested that leaves and seeds were sources of good nutrition. The presence of relatively high protein, carbohydrate, and lipid contents are indicative of possible anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. The heavy metals present could enhance human health. This study shows the Jamaican traditional red variety of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyxes, seeds, and leaves to have potential health benefits that can help in the prevention of diseases and contribute to good nutrition. Keywords: Sorrel, Nutraceutical, Protein, Carbohydrate, Lipid, Heavy Metals.
1. INTRODUCTION Hibiscus sabdariffa, also known as Rosella or Jamaica sorrel among many other names, is a native of India and Malaysia1. Much work has been reported on its effectiveness against life threatening diseases in other parts of the world, treating many cardiovascular disorders, helmenthic disease and cancer 2; rendering this popular shrub a nutraceutical, “a food or part of a food that provides medical or health benefits, including disease treatment and prevention. Nutraceuticals range from specific nutrients, to dietary supplements, herbal products and processed foods including beta-carotene, fish oil, garlic, green tea, oat bran, olive oil and various herbs. Sometimes called functional foods 3”. While Hibiscus sabdariffa is from one family „Malvaceae‟, the differences in climatic condition and soil types may attest to possible differences in chemical composition and nutritional content with local varieties compared to other regions of the world. Consequently, while much work has been done on sorrel in other parts of the world, work on the local varieties while further strengthening the collective classification of this plant as a nutraceutical such as “to support the ethnomedicinal use of H. sabdariffa in Africa and the Caribbean for the treatment of cardiovascular disease and hypertension 4”, work on its nutritional composition locally has been limited with focus on main consumable portion, the calyxes. While this research will focus on the traditional red sorrel variety5 grown locally, it will explore its carbohydrate, protein, lipid, iron, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and copper contents, all reported to play a role in good nutrition, with benefits ranging from healthy pregnancy, increased energy, and better athletic performance with iron consumption, to regulation of blood pressure and blood volume with sodium consumption 6,7-14. Research will also look at leaves and seeds of this variety.
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