Determination of Phytochemical and Proximate Constituents of Two Varieties of Hibiscus sabdariffa

Abstract

Phytochemical and proximate were carried out in the petals and seeds of two varieties of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. using standard methods. The phytochemical analysis showed that the red variety contained a high amount of steroids (6.32±0.430) and anthocyanins (1.22±0.090) in its petals while its seeds have a high saponin content (3.24±0.670). The white variety contained a high amount of flavonoids (8.24±0.340) in its petals while its seeds have a high glycoside content (1.23±0.750). Based on this study, the presence of flavonoids shows its usefulness as a powerful antioxidant. The proximate composition also showed that the white petals also have high moisture (5.76±0.190) and ash (10.20±0.500) contents compared to red variety, which was neutral in all aspects. The white variety was also found to have a low carbohydrate content (60.09±0.290) than a red variety (68.09±0.750). The seeds of the white variety were found to contain the highest protein content (16.19±0.030). These results show that the seeds of Hibiscus sabdariffa could serve as a good food supplement for man and livestock if further processing methods are employed to eliminate the little toxicant inherent in the seeds.