Hibiscus sabdariffa is commonly used in daily life and its extract is applied widely in cosmetics.
Rich in flavonoids and anthocyanin.
ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES
Hibiscus extract has antioxidant properties by scavenging free radicals that are generated during the normal metabolism process. It significantly decreases UVB-induced reactive oxygen species. It attenuates oxidative stress by maintaining the redox system of the living system. It protects the skin against oxidative stress that can cause severe oxidative damage to the biological macromolecules such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids that causes premature signs of skin aging, wrinkle, hyperpigmentation, erythema… Therefore, it minimizes the effects of lipid peroxidation in biological systems.
ANTI-AGING PROPERTIES
Hibiscus extract reduces matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, increases tissue inhibition of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 level, and enhances collagen content by inhibiting collagenase activity.
MELANOGENESIS INHIBITION
Hibiscus extract decreases melanin synthesis under UVB radiation. It blocks mRNA and protein expressions of melanin production pathway key factors, including the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1), and dopachrome tautomerase-2 (TRP-2).
ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES
It has antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria. Antibacterial activity was determined by measuring the diameter of the clear zones of inhibition.