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[Display omitted] • Low-pressure extraction to obtain karkadé from hibiscus flowers. • High-pressure foaming to load and preserve karkadé in PCL. • PCL foams with density of 180 kg/m3 and karkadé entrapment of 97 % • CO 2 sorption time influenced foam morphology and karkadé release rate. • Patch-like prototype assessed process scalability. • Loaded foams are biocompatible with human skin cells. Hibiscus sabdariffa is a plant characterized by a high content of antioxidant molecules; its aqueous extract (karkadé) offers considerable potential benefits during the healing process. Since most antioxidant molecules are sensitive to thermo-oxidative degradation during extraction and encapsulation processes, this study proposes a novel application to preserve karkadé inhibition power, by entrapping it in poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) foams. Karkadé was obtained using Rapid Solid-Liquid Dynamic Extraction, processed at 20 °C and below 10 bar. The concentration of karkadé solid residue was 195.0 ± 4.6 g/L, while the reduction of the antioxidant inhibition power was 26.0 ± 1.4 % after 450 min of extraction, much greater than native karkadé extracted using other techniques (>60 %). Entrapment of karkadé occurred during the preparation of 3 mg/mL PCL in an acetone solution, which solidified upon solvent evaporation at 20 °C, obtaining a disk. Then, the disk was foamed using CO 2 as physical blowing agent at optimized parameters (45 °C, 100 bar, and sorption for 60 min). Foam density of 180 kg/m3, cell number density of 4.1E06 cell/cm3, and an average pore dimension of 56 ± 28 µm were obtained, with k arkadé entrapment efficiency up to 97 %. This study focused on manipulating PCL foam cell s density and diameter, to influence release time of karkadé extract into an aqueous receiving medium. Different cell s diameters and number density were achieved by varying sorption time of CO 2 in PCL, set at 30, 60, and 90 min, respectively. Sorption time of 60 min was demonstrated to be sufficient for creating a uniform porous structure, while a 30 min sorption time resulted in a delayed release rate. Foams were soaked in cell culture medium, which was then put in contact with human keratinocytes, thus demonstrating their biocompatibility up to 9 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on phytochemical contents, antioxidant activity and functional properties of underutilized plants Figl (Raphanus sativus L.), Girgir (Eruca sativa L.) and Karkade (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) grown in Benishangul Gumuz, Ethiopia are limited. In view of this, leaves and roots of Figl, leaves of Girgir, calyces and seeds of Karkade were evaluated following standard analytical methods. The total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, β-carotene and L-ascorbic acid contents were ranged: 5.28–35.97, 0.01–2.53, 0.15–0.42 and 0.28–1.49 (db mg/g), respectively. The total flavonoids content, total anthocyanins content and antioxidant capacity were high in the brown calyces of Karkade, but are low in the roots of Figl. The antioxidant activity of roots of Figl and seeds of Karkade were low. The effective inhibitory concentration (IC50) toward 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity demanded from brown calyces of Karkade was low and the IC50 was strong negatively correlated with β-carotene and L-ascorbic acid contents (i.e., achieve IC50 with low amounts of these bioactive compounds). The ferric reducing antioxidant power was positively strong correlated with total flavonoids and anthocyanins content. The finding showed that calyces of Karkade can be used as a candidate to substitute synthetic antioxidants and food colorant in food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries because of their high antioxidant capacity, desired color and as a good source of phytochemicals. The study also showed that the leaves of Figl and Girgir were found to exhibit good sources of vitamin C, β-carotene with low bulk density. Because of these properties, they can be regarded as good candidate to supplement micronutrients particularly for vulnerable groups like infants and young children.

Background: In Ethiopia, particularly in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, there are numerous underutilized plants like figl (Raphanus sativus), girgir (Eruca sativa) and karkade (Hibiscus sabdariffa) which are cultivated and consumed only by the local communities. However, information on production practices, postharvest handling, and utilization trends of these plants is limited. Objective: Assess the production, handling, and utilization pattern of figl, girgir, and karkade in the Benshangul-Gumuz region of Ethiopia. Methodology: A cross-sectional household survey was used to collect primary data from 274 producers and 30 users using a semi-structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 20.0) software package. Results: The results showed that about 46% of farmers produce figl and girgir for food, medicine, and income generation. More than half of the farmers produce karkade for beverage and medicine. About 93% of the respondents showed that, edible parts of figl and girgir could attain commercial maturity within 15-35 days. However, calyces of karkade takes 121-150 days. Most of the farmers consume leaves and roots of figl and leaves of girgir as local salads while 84.31% use dried calyces of karkade for making a beverage. About 94% of the farmers allocated less than 0.25 hectares of land for the production of figl and girgir while 81% of them allocated this amount of land for the production of karkade. The majority (80%) of them are not getting extension services for the production of figl, girgir and karkade, and 53% lament that there is no market linkage for these crops. Conclusions: Figl and girgir play significant roles in mitigating food insecurity because they reach commercial maturity within a short period and the possibility of cropping about five cycles throughout the year, particularly in marginal lands with agronomic practices accessible to farmers. Therefore, future research should incorporate packages of farming technology including propagating the crops at research centers, adaptation trial across different agro-ecology, improving of agronomic practices, variety registration and promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combined approach for the extraction of antioxidants from Hibiscus sabdariffa and entrapment of the extract in zein nanoparticles is proposed. Different green extraction techniques were adopted: high‐pressure and ‐temperature extraction, ultrasound‐assisted extraction, and microwave‐assisted extraction, using an ethanol/water mixture as extracting solvent. The extracts were used for the preparation of zein nanoparticles by liquid antisolvent precipitation. The impacts of process variables were investigated using response surface modeling, demonstrating that the proposed strategy allows high extract encapsulation efficiency, good particle size control, and high particle stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to test the safety and efficacy of AqualiefTM in patients affected by xerostomia. The main ingredients of AqualiefTM are carnosine and dried calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (karkadè) for their buffering effect at pH 7 as well as for their antioxidant, antimicrobial and lenitive properties. In a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial, sixty patients with xerostomia (RTOG/EORTC grade 1-2) were randomly assigned to receive either placebo, or AqualiefTM tablets (three times/day after meals) for 6 consecutive days. A questionnaire was used to evaluate dry mouth symptoms before and after 6 days of AqualiefTM or placebo application. Unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates and pH were measured before and after application. Treatment with AqualiefTM for 6 days induced a significant increase in saliva pH from 6.2 ± 0.5 to 6.4 ± 0.6 (P < 0.05) while placebo was ineffective (from 6.2 ± 0.5 to 6.3 ± 0.5). AqualiefTM also induced a significant increase in the pH of stimulated saliva from 6.3 ± 0.5 to 6.6 ± 0.5 (P < 0.01). Placebo was ineffective also in this setting (from 6.2 ± 0.5 to 6.3 ± 0.5). Besides an expected normalization of the saliva pH value, AqualiefTM treatment for 6 days greatly increased (56%, P < 0.0001) saliva production. Placebo induced a 19% increase (P < 0.05), which was likely due to mechanical stimulation. AqualiefTM also increased stimulated saliva production (27% increase with respect to day 0, P < 0.05), while placebo was ineffective. AqualiefTM was effective in regulating the saliva pH, in increasing saliva production and improving dry mouth symptoms in xerostomic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were carried out during the two successive summer seasons of 2015/2016 and 2016/2017. The experiments were accomplished in an open field located at Bader region, El-Beheira Governorate, Egypt to evaluate the effects of humic acid, indole butyric acid (IBA), and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (Glomus mosseae) individually on vegetative growth, yield, and phytochemical characteristics of Hibiscus Sabdariffa (Roselle jamica). Experimental field plots were designed as randomized complete block design (RCBD). The obtained results of the two seasons, generally, showed that all treatments (HA, IBA, and AMF) individually enhanced the vegetative growth, yield of calyx, and phytochemical parameters of Roselle plants. The HA treatment was the most effective in enhancing most of the studied parameters and might be recommended for enhancing the vegetative growth, yield of calyx, and calyx phytochemical components of Roselle plants under the environmental conditions of Bader region, El-Beheira Governorate and other similar regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stress factors affecting series of morphological, physiological, metabolic and molecular changes in plant growth. The effect of different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100 and 150 mM) of NaCl on the vegetative growth and some physiological parameters of karkade (Hibiscus sabdariffa var. sabdariffa) seedling were investigated. NaCl affected the germination rate, delayed emergence and retarded vegetative growth of seedlings. The length of seedling as well as the leaf area was significantly reduced. The fresh weight remained lower in NaCl treated seedlings compared to control. NaCl at 100 and 150 mM concentrations had significant effect on the dry matter contents of the treated seedlings. The chloroplast pigments in the treated seedlings were affected, suggesting that the NaCl had a significant effect on the chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis. The results showed that the salt treatments induced an increase in proline concentration of the seedlings. The osmotic potential (ψs) of NaCl treated seedlings decreased with increasing NaCl concentrations. Salt treatments resulted in dramatic quantitative reduction in the total sterol percent compared with control ones. Salt stress resulted in increase and decrease of Na+ and K+ ions, respectively. NaCl salinity increased lipid peroxidation. SDS-PAGE was used to evaluate protein pattern after applying salt stress. High molecular weight proteins were intensified, while low molecular weight proteins were faint. NaCl at 100 and 150 mM concentration distinguished with new protein bands. Salt stress induced a new peroxidase bands and increased the band intensity, indicating the protective role of peroxidase enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three cultivars of Roselle seeds (“Mexico”, “China”, and “Sudan”) were collected from Guerrero State, Mexico and reconditioned to moisture contents ranging from ca. 13% to 25% w.b. The reconditioned seeds were then evaluated for dimensions, sphericity, bulk density, true density, porosity, thousand seed mass, and static coefficient of friction on several material surfaces. In the range of analyzed moistures, physical properties of Roselle seed are related to the moisture content by quadratic equations. Cultivars Mexico, China and Sudan increased their width in 10.9%, 7.8%, and 8.1%, in that order; similarly, their length was increased in 13.1%, 9.8%, and 7.2%, and their thickness was increased in 8.3%, 4.0%, and 13.7%. Seeds from the cultivar Mexico were the smallest. The sphericity changes with the increase in moisture content. Each cultivar had a single behaviour, thus cultivar Sudan comes closer to a spherical form, contrary to the cultivars Mexico or China. The bulk density and the true density for different moisture levels decrease with the increase in moisture content. The estimated porosity was found to increase with the increase in moisture content. The porosity started at 52.9%, 53.3%, and 54.7% and increased to 57.7%, 55.1%, and 56.9% for cultivars Mexico, China, and Sudan, respectively. The thousand seed mass increased with increase in seed moisture content from 21.85 to 81.00g, 35.22 to 40.62g and 36.37 to 41.78g for the three cultivars mentioned above, respectively. The cultivars evaluated showed a comparable behaviour in relation with the static coefficient of friction, this variable increased with moisture content on four structural surfaces, namely concrete (0.32–0.34), galvanised iron (0.27–0.30), glass (0.25–0.30) and wood (0.23–0.30). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The degradation kinetics of anthocyanins in a Roselle infusion ( Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), as assessed by visible absorption spectroscopy (absorbance at 520 nm), was verified (60–100 °C). The rate constants for absorbance retention were obtained from first-order reaction kinetic plots. Based on an Arrhenius-type model, the experimental data showed an energy of activation of 15.83 kcal mol−1 (66.22 kJ mol−1) and a Q10 value of 1.01. The obtained pattern allows to predict the retention of these antioxidant compounds as a function of temperature and time of thermal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper the overall antioxidant power, expressed as Briggs–Rauscher antioxidant index, of decoction or cold infusions of dried Hibiscus sabdariffa flowers was determined at 25 and 37°C, to compare the scavenger ability of the beverages at either room or physiological temperature. Total polyphenol contents and the absorbance of anthocyanin pigments were also determined, and the trend with the overall antioxidant capability is considered. Combined photometric and pH-metric titrations were acquired to obtain information on the colour-total acidity relationship of the product. The results show that the decoction preparation protocol provides karkadè with the highest nutritional value and that the polyphenol content can account for the antioxidant capability of H. sabdariffa-based beverages. Moreover, a quantitative relationship between acid–base and redox chemistry was found. The H. sabdariffa-based drinks can be considered as protective beverages and a regular consumption of karkadè might be proposed to ensure protection against free radicals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: Xerostomia, the subjective complaint of dry mouth, is caused by therapeutic interventions or diseases. Nowadays, radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) stands out as one of the most important causes of xerostomia. Currently available therapies for the treatment of xerostomia are still less than optimal and xerostomia still represents an unmet clinical need. In this article, we present the results of a clinical study with a new product, AqualiefTM, in patients treated with curative radiotherapy for HNC. The results show that AqualiefTM stimulated salivation in these patients and reduced the pH drop that was observed in an equivalent population of patients treated with placebo. Moreover, no serious, treatment-related adverse events were observed. These encouraging results suggest that AqualiefTM may become a promising tool for the treatment of radiotherapy-related xerostomia. In addition, the results also suggest that AqualiefTM may have positive effects in the maintenance of oral health. Xerostomia, the subjective complaint of dry mouth, is caused by therapeutic interventions or diseases. Nowadays, radiotherapy (RT) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) stands out as one of the most important causes of xerostomia. Currently available therapies for the treatment of xerostomia are still less than optimal and xerostomia still represents an unmet clinical need. In this article, we present the results of a prospective clinical study with a new product, AqualiefTM, in patients treated with curative RT with or without chemotherapy for HNC. AqualiefTM is based on two main ingredients, carnosine and karkadé, which have acid buffering and antioxidant properties. The study was performed on 30 patients, with 4 of the patients being lost during the study period. Each patient received randomly one of the two treatments, AqualiefTM or placebo, for 8 days. After a 10-day wash-out period, each patient received the other treatment for a further 8 days. The results show that AqualiefTM stimulated salivation in these patients and reduced the pH drop that was observed in an equivalent placebo-treated population of patients. Moreover, no serious, treatment-related adverse events were observed. AqualiefTM has shown positive results, although with limitations due to unsuccessful trial accrual. Therefore, it may be further investigated as a tool for the treatment of RT-related xerostomia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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• Starch based staple foods prone to imbalanced diet and malnutrition problems. • Underutilized plants can be complimented with starch based foods for better nutrition. • Leaves of Figil and Girgir and seeds of Kerkede are good sources of protein and minerals. • Bioavailability of minerals from these edible plants also in the acceptable range. • Use of underutilized plants need to be promoted to tackle malnutrition problems. In Ethiopia, particularly in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, there are several underutilized plants like Figl (Raphanus sativus), Girgir (Eruca sativa) and Karkade (Hibiscus sabdariffa) which are cultivated and consumed only by the local communities. However, information on nutrient, anti-nutrient contents and mineral bioavailability of edible parts of these plants are limited. Given this, leaves and roots of Figl, leaves of Girgir, calyces and seeds of Karkade were evaluated for their proximate, mineral and anti-nutrient contents following the standard analytical methods. The result on dry matter basis revealed that protein contents (26.32 g/100 g) were high for brown seeds of Karkade, dried leaves of Figl (26.71 g/100 g) and Girgir (24.23 g/100 g). The fat and energy contents were high for seeds of Karkade (15.58–18.00 g/100 g; 371.64–376.69 kcal/100 g). The fiber content was high for dried leaves of Figl (28.39 g/100 g) and low for calyces of Karkade (15.33–16.54 g/100 g). There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in terms of mineral contents. The dried leaves of Figl were high in calcium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus contents while dried leaves of Girgir were high in iron and zinc contents. With exception of oxalate content, seeds of Karkade were low in tannin, phytate and alkaloid. The phytate: mineral ratio analysis showed the bioavailability of iron is likely to be inhibited from roots of Figl and calyces of Karkade; zinc bioavailability from calyces of Karkade which suggests processing for phytate reduction is important. The result showed the seeds of Karkade are good sources of protein, fat and energy with low antinutritional contents that may favor mineral bioavailability with potential for utilization in baby food formulations to alleviate protein energy malnutrition. The leaves of Figl and Girgir can also be exploited in different food formulations to improve macro and micronutrient deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on phytochemical contents, antioxidant activity and functional properties of underutilized plants Figl ( Raphanus sativus L.), Girgir ( Eruca sativa L.) and Karkade ( Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) grown in Benishangul Gumuz, Ethiopia are limited. In view of this, leaves and roots of Figl, leaves of Girgir, calyces and seeds of Karkade were evaluated following standard analytical methods. The total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, β-carotene and L-ascorbic acid contents were ranged: 5.28-35.97, 0.01-2.53, 0.15-0.42 and 0.28-1.49 (db mg/g), respectively. The total flavonoids content, total anthocyanins content and antioxidant capacity were high in the brown calyces of Karkade, but are low in the roots of Figl. The antioxidant activity of roots of Figl and seeds of Karkade were low. The effective inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) toward 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity demanded from brown calyces of Karkade was low and the IC 50 was strong negatively correlated with β-carotene and L-ascorbic acid contents (i.e., achieve IC 50 with low amounts of these bioactive compounds). The ferric reducing antioxidant power was positively strong correlated with total flavonoids and anthocyanins content. The finding showed that calyces of Karkade can be used as a candidate to substitute synthetic antioxidants and food colorant in food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries because of their high antioxidant capacity, desired color and as a good source of phytochemicals. The study also showed that the leaves of Figl and Girgir were found to exhibit good sources of vitamin C, β-carotene with low bulk density. Because of these properties, they can be regarded as good candidate to supplement micronutrients particularly for vulnerable groups like infants and young children., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

The purpose of this study was to test the safety and efficacy of AqualiefTM in patients affected by xerostomia. The main ingredients of AqualiefTM are carnosine and dried calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (karkadè) for their buffering effect at pH 7 as well as for their antioxidant, antimicrobial and lenitive properties. In a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial, sixty patients with xerostomia (RTOG/EORTC grade 1-2) were randomly assigned to receive either placebo, or AqualiefTM tablets (three times/day after meals) for 6 consecutive days. A questionnaire was used to evaluate dry mouth symptoms before and after 6 days of AqualiefTM or placebo application. Unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates and pH were measured before and after application. Treatment with AqualiefTM for 6 days induced a significant increase in saliva pH from 6.2 ± 0.5 to 6.4 ± 0.6 (P < 0.05) while placebo was ineffective (from 6.2 ± 0.5 to 6.3 ± 0.5). AqualiefTM also induced a significant increase in the pH of stimulated saliva from 6.3 ± 0.5 to 6.6 ± 0.5 (P < 0.01). Placebo was ineffective also in this setting (from 6.2 ± 0.5 to 6.3 ± 0.5). Besides an expected normalization of the saliva pH value, AqualiefTM treatment for 6 days greatly increased (56%, P < 0.0001) saliva production. Placebo induced a 19% increase (P < 0.05), which was likely due to mechanical stimulation. AqualiefTM also increased stimulated saliva production (27% increase with respect to day 0, P < 0.05), while placebo was ineffective. AqualiefTM was effective in regulating the saliva pH, in increasing saliva production and improving dry mouth symptoms in xerostomic patients.