Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of the pollen of Hibiscus spp.

  • Research Report
  • Published:
Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Hibiscus species are flowering plants of the Malvaceae family. Hibiscus are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions and play an important role not only in ornamental aspects but also traditional medicine. In this study, seven compounds, mukungarrole (1), a new compound and six known flavonoid derivatives (2–7) were isolated from Hibiscus syriacus pollen. Among the isolated compounds, kaempferol (2) and vincetoxicoside B (3) showed antioxidant activity. Additonally, the new compound, mukungarrole (1), along with kaempferol (2) and isorhamnetin-7-O-rhamnoside (5), showed α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and its interaction with α-glucosidase was confirmed using molecular docking analysis. Further comparison of five varieties of Hibiscus spp. showed that all five species contained vincetoxicoside B (3) and kaempferol-7-O-rhamnoside (4) as major components and exhibited antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. However, there was differences in the content of vincetoxicoside B (3) and kaempferol-7-O-rhamnoside (4) and minor components depending on of Hibiscus variety, which contributed to differences in efficacy. This study proves that H. syriacus pollen and its constituents have antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials and the content and efficacy vary depending on Hibiscus species.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

References

  • Abat JK, Kumar S, Mohanty A (2017) Ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and ethnopharmacological aspects of four medicinal plants of Malvaceae used in Indian traditional medicines: a review. Medicines 4:75

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Ahn JH, Park Y, Yeon SW, Jo YH, Han YK, Turk A, Ryu SH, Hwang BY, Lee KY, Lee MK (2020) Phenylpropanoid-conjugated triterpenoids from the leaves of Actinidia arguta and their inhibitory activity on α-glucosidase. J Nat Prod 83:1416–1423

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Amiri MS, Joharchi MR (2013) Ethnobotanical investigation of traditional medicinal plants commercialized in the markets of Mashhad. Iran Avicenna J Phytomed 3:254–271

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Asmat U, Abad K, Ismail K (2016) Diabetes mellitus and oxidative stress - A concise review. Saudi Pharm J 24:547–553

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bujang JS, Zakaria MH, Ramaiya SD (2021) Chemical constituents and phytochemical properties of floral maize pollen. PLoS ONE 16:e0247327

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Da-Costa-Rocha I, Bonnlaender B, Sievers H, Pischel I, Heinrich M (2014) Hibiscus sabdariffa L. - a phytochemical and pharmacological review. Food Chem 165:424–443

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • David JA, Rifkin WJ, Rabbani PS, Ceradini DJ (2017) The Nrf2/Keap1/ ARE pathway and oxidative stress as a therapeutic target in type II diabetes mellitus. J Diabetes Res 2017:4826724

  • Dos Santos JM, Tewari S, Mendes RH (2019) The role of oxidative stress in the development of diabetes mellitus and its complications. J Diabetes Res 2019:4189813

  • Duque-Soto C, Expósito-Almellón X, García P, Pando ME, Borrás-Linares I, Lozano-Sánchez J (2023) Extraction, characterization, and bioactivity of phenolic compounds-A case on Hibiscus genera. Foods 12:963

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Duvvuri LS, Katiyar S, Kumar A, Khan W (2015) Delivery aspects of antioxidants in diabetes management. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 12:827–844

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Froelich S, Onegi B, Kakooko A, Siems K, Schubert C, Jenett-Siems K (2007) Plants traditionally used against malaria: phytochemical and pharmacological investigation of Momordica Foetida. Rev Bras Farmacogn 17:1–7

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ghani U (2015) Re-exploring promising α-glucosidase inhibitors for potential development into oral anti-diabetic drugs: finding needle in the haystack. Eur J Med Chem 103:133–162

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Graves LE, Donaghue KC (2020) Vascular complication in adolescents with diabetes mellitus. Front Endocrinol 11:370

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haji-Faraji M, Haji-Tarkhani A (1999) The effect of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on essential hypertension. J Ethnopharmacol 65:231–236

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hernandez LF, Eguchi N, Whaley D, Alexander M, Tantisattamo E, Ichii H (2022) Anti-oxidative therapy in diabetic nephropathy. Front Biosci 14:14

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Huang DDSG, Jiang Y, Yao C, Zhu C (2019) A review on the potential of resveratrol in prevention and therapy of diabetes and diabetic complications. BioMed Pharmacother 125:109767

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huyen TT, Dujardin J, Huong NTT, Duyen CTM, Minh NH, Thanh HQ, Mong DT, Trieu LH, Tien NMT, Chung MT, Minh NN, Dan NTN, Loi H (2023) Assessment of in vitro antioxidant, antidiabetic and cytotoxic activities of Sphaeranthus Africanus extracts. Nat Prod Sci 29:98

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ibrahim LF, Elkhateeb A, Marzouk MM, Hussein SR, Abdel-Hameed ES, Kassem MES (2016) Flavonoid investigation, LC–ESI-MS profile and cytotoxic activity of Raphanus raphanistrum L. (Brassicaceae). J Chem Pharm Res 8:786–793

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Iwashina T, Smirnov SV, Damdinsuren O, Kondo K (2012) Flavonoids from Reaumuria Soongarica (Tamaricaceae) in Mongolia. Bull Natl Mus Nat Sci 38:189–195

    Google Scholar 

  • Jabeur I, Pereira E, Barros L, Calhelha RC, Soković M, Oliveira MBPP, Ferreira ICFR (2017) Hibiscus sabdariffa L. as a source of nutrients, bioactive compounds and colouring agents. Food Res Int 100:717–723

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jeffery TD, Richardson ML (2021) A review of the effectiveness of hibiscus for treatment of metabolic syndrome. J Ethnopharmacol 270:113762

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Joshi SR, Standl E, Tong N, Shah P, Kalra S, Rathod R (2015) Therapeutic potential of α-glucosidase inhibitors in type 2 diabetes mellitus: an evidence-based review. Expert Opin Pharmacother 16:1959–1981

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kapepula PM, Ngombe NK, Tshibangu PT, Tsumbu C, Franck T, Mouithy-Mickalad A, Mumba D, Tshala-Katumbay D, Serteyn D, Tits M, Angenot L, Kalenda PDT, Frederich M (2017) Comparison metabolic profiles and bioactivities of the leaves of three edible Congolese Hibiscus species. Nat Prod Res 31:2885–2892

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Lawag IL, Yoo O, Lim LY, Hammer K, Locher C (2021) Optimization of bee pollen extraction to maximize extractable antioxidant constituents. Antioxidants 10:1113

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Lee SJ, Yun YS, Lee IK, Ryoo IJ, Yun BS, Yoo ID (1999) An antioxidant lignan and other constituents from the root bark of Hibiscus syriacus. Planta Med 65:658–660

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lee SK, Ryu SH, Turk A, Yeon SW, Jo YH, Han YK, Hwang BY, Lee KY, Lee MK (2020) Characterization of α-glucosidase inhibitory constituents of the fruiting body of lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus). J Ethnopharmacol 262:113197

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ma X, Chen Z, Wang L, Wang G, Wang Z, Dong XB, Wen B, Zhang Z (2018) The pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus by oxidative stress and inflammation: its inhibition by berberine. Front Pharmacol 27:782

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mărgăoan R, Stranț M, Varadi A, Topal E, Yücel B, Cornea-Cipcigan M, Campos MG, Vodnar DC (2019) Bee collected pollen and bee bread: bioactive constituents and health benefits Antioxidants 8:568

  • Maritim AC, Sanders RA, Watkins JB (2003) Diabetes, oxidative stress, and antioxidants: a review. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 17:24–38

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Morais M, Moreira L, Feás X, Estevinho LM (2011) Honeybee-collected pollen from five Portuguese natural parks: palynological origin, phenolic content, antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activity. Food Chem Toxicol 49:1096–1101

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mosic M, Trifkovic J, Vovk I, Gasic U, Tesic Z, Sikoparija B, Milojkovic-Opsenica D (2019) Phenolic composition influences the health-promoting potential of bee-pollen. Biomolecules 9:783

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Mozaffari-Khosravi H, Jalali-Khanabadi BA, Afkhami-Ardekani M, Fatehi F (2009) Effects of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on lipid profile and lipoproteins in patients with type II diabetes. J Altern Complem Med 15:899–903

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park Y, Kwon SH, Jang YL, Lee DH, Yang SO, Eo HJ, Park GH, Kwon HY (2022) Nutritional composition and phytochemical screening in different parts of Hibiscus syriacus L. Food Sci Nutr 10:3034

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Riaz G, Chopra R (2018) A review on phytochemistry and therapeutic uses of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Biomed Pharmacother 102:575–586

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rotariu D, Babes EE, Tit DM, Moisi M, Bustea C, Stoicescu M, Radu AF, Vesa CM, Bungau AF, Bungau SG (2022) Oxidative stress - complex pathological issues concerning the hallmark of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. BioMed Pharmacother 152:113238

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Serban C, Sahebkar A, Ursoniu S, Andrica F, Banach M (2015) Effect of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on arterial hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Hypertens 33:1119–1127

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shen CY, Zhang TT, Zhang WL, Jiang JG (2016) Anti-inflammatory activities of essential oil isolated from the calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Food Funct 7:4451–4459

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shi LS, Wu CH, Yang TC, Yao CW, Lin HC, Chang WL (2014) Cytotoxic effect of triterpenoids from the root bark of Hibiscus syriacus. Fitoterapia 97:184–191

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Singh P, Khan M, Hailemariam H (2017) Nutritional and health importance of Hibiscus sabdariffa: a review and indication for research needs. J Nutr Health Food Eng 6:125–128

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Unuofin JO, Lebelo SL (2020) Antioxidant effects and mechanisms of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes: An updated review. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2020:1356893

  • Uțoiu E, Matei F, Toma A, Diguță CF, Ștefan LM, Mănoiu S, Vrăjmașu VV, Moraru I, Oancea A, Israel-Roming F, Cornea CP, Constantinescu-Aruxandei D, Moraru A, Oancea F (2018) Bee collected pollen with enhanced health benefits, produced by fermentation with a kombucha consortium. Nutrients 10:1365

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Yaribeygi H, Sathyapalan T, Atkin SL, Sahebkar A (2020) Molecular mechanisms linking oxidative stress and diabetes mellitus. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2020:8609213

  • Yeon SW, Kwon HY, Nam JI, Ahn JH, Jo YH, Turk A, Lee YJ, Shin DW, Hwang BY, Lee MK (2019) Three new naphthalenes from the roots of Hibiscus syriacus. Phytochem Lett 33:110–113

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yumita A, Hanani E, Agustina A, Damayanti F, Priani KN, Fadila SN (2023) Total phenolic content and antioxidant activities of leaves and bark extract of Adenanthera pavonina L. Nat Prod Sci 29:24

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yun BS, Lee IK, Rhoo IJ, Yoo ID (2001) Coumarins with monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity and antioxidative coumarino-lignans from Hibiscus syriacus. J Nat Prod 64:1238–1240

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zhen J, Villani TS, Guo Y, Qi Y, Chin K, Pan MH, Ho CT, Simon JE, Wu Q (2016) Phytochemistry, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content and anti-inflammatory activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa leaves. Food Chem 190:673–680

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Research Program (FG0403-2018-01-2021) for Forest Science & Technology Development of the National Institute of Forest Science and by the Korea-Middle East Cooperation Foundation Project (NRF-2019K1A3A1A80113178) through the National Research Foundation of Korea.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, 28160, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Korea

    Sang Won Yeon, Ayman Turk, Solip Lee, Se Hwan Ryu, Bang Yeon Hwang & Mi Kyeong Lee

  2. Division of Special Forest Products, National Institute of Forest Science, 16631, Suwon, Korea

    Hae-Yun Kwon & Yunmi Park

  3. College of Pharmacy, Korea University, 47236, Sejong, Korea

    Yoo Kyong Han & Ki Yong Lee

  4. Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon

    Maha Aboul Ela

Authors
  1. Sang Won Yeon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Hae-Yun Kwon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Yunmi Park
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Ayman Turk
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Solip Lee
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Se Hwan Ryu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Yoo Kyong Han
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Ki Yong Lee
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Maha Aboul Ela
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Bang Yeon Hwang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  11. Mi Kyeong Lee
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

SWY: Conceptualization, Investigation, Formal analysis, Writing– original draft; H-YK, YP, AT, SL, SHR, YKH: Conceptualization, Methodology, Resources, Validation; KYL, BYH, MAE: Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Writing - review & editing; MKL: Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Investigation, Supervision, Writing - review & editing.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mi Kyeong Lee.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Yeon, S.W., Kwon, HY., Park, Y. et al. Antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of the pollen of Hibiscus spp.. Hortic. Environ. Biotechnol. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13580-023-00578-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13580-023-00578-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation