Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis : A Multifunctional Flower Bridging Nutrition, Medicine, and Molecular Therapeutics

Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis , commonly known as the shoe flower, thrives in tropical and subtropical regions across South China, Asia, Africa, and America, adapting well to diverse environments. Its therapeutic potential is attributed to a range of bioactive compounds Anthocyanins, saponins, quercetin, kaempferol, and anthraquinones are found in various plant parts. These compounds scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and modulate inflammatory (IL‐6, TNF‐α, PPAR‐γ, cyclooxygenase) and oxidative (MDA, MPO, NO, SOD, GSH) markers, offering therapeutic benefits against cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, and hepato‐renal disorders. The plant exhibits antidiabetic effects by lowering blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and postprandial glucose absorption. Cardioprotective properties are linked to the regulation of PPAR‐γ, SREBP‐1c, acetyl‐CoA carboxylase, and fatty acid synthase. Molecular docking studies reveal strong binding affinities of myricetin and rutin with α‐glucosidase (−10.5) and SOD (−8.6), highlighting their antidiabetic and hepatoprotective potential. H. rosa‐sinensis also exhibits antimicrobial activity against various bacterial (e.g., E. coli , S. aureus ) and fungal strains (e.g., A. flavus , A. niger ). Animal‐based studies affirm its safety between 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight. Its coloring, flavoring, nutritional, and therapeutic properties support applications in food, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and dyeing. However, long‐term clinical trials are essential to validate its traditional uses and therapeutic efficacy.