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Peer-reviewedCC BY 4.0International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Dermatoprotective Potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa L.: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidence

  • Olufemi Gabriel Abimbola1
  • Oluseun Peter Bolawa2
  • Mariáurea Matia Sarandy3
  • Rômulo Dias Novaes4
  • Reggiani Vilela Gonçalves2,5
  • Maria Do Carmo Gouveia Peluzio1
5 affiliations
  1. 1Department of Nutrition and Health, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil
  2. 2Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil
  3. 3Health Center, Biomedical Science Program, University of Vale do Rio Doce (UNIVALE), Governador Valadares 35020-220, MG, Brazil
  4. 4Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Structural Biology, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-001, MG, Brazil
  5. 5Department of Animal Science, Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA
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Abstract

Inflammatory and degenerative skin disorders are associated with persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, tissue dysfunction, and impaired wound healing. This systematic review synthesized preclinical evidence on the biological effects and molecular mechanisms of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in inflammatory and degenerative skin disorders and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251013303). Eligible studies were original, peer-reviewed in vitro or in vivo investigations evaluating H. sabdariffa L. extracts, formulations, or isolated bioactive compounds and relevant dermatological outcomes; non-original publications, human studies, other Hibiscus species, and studies without appropriate controls were excluded. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched on 24 March 2025. Study selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers, with methodological quality assessed using the SYRCLE Risk of Bias tool supplemented with criteria relevant to preclinical phytopharmacological research. Sixteen studies were included: nine in vitro, six in vivo, and one combined study. Because of substantial heterogeneity, results were synthesized narratively using mechanistic mapping and comparative assessment rather than meta-analysis. Anti-inflammatory effects were reported in 13 studies (81.3%), antioxidant effects in 12 (75.0%), and wound-healing/tissue-regenerative effects in 9 (56.3%); anti-fibrotic/photoaging effects occurred in 7 (43.8%), and anti-melanogenic activity in 4 (25.0%). Heterogeneity and methodological limitations restrict direct comparison and condition-specific conclusions. These findings indicate dermatoprotective potential, but standardized preclinical and clinical studies are warranted. Funding was provided by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG), the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq).

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{abimbola2026dermatoprotective,
  title = {{Dermatoprotective Potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa L.: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidence}},
  author = {Olufemi Gabriel Abimbola and Oluseun Peter Bolawa and Mariáurea Matia Sarandy and Rômulo Dias Novaes and Reggiani Vilela Gonçalves and Maria Do Carmo Gouveia Peluzio},
  journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.3390/ijms27219473},
  url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/21/9473},
  note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Dermatoprotective Potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa L.: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidence
AU  - Olufemi Gabriel Abimbola
AU  - Oluseun Peter Bolawa
AU  - Mariáurea Matia Sarandy
AU  - Rômulo Dias Novaes
AU  - Reggiani Vilela Gonçalves
AU  - Maria Do Carmo Gouveia Peluzio
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/23
JO  - International Journal of Molecular Sciences
DO  - 10.3390/ijms27219473
UR  - https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/21/9473
AB  - Inflammatory and degenerative skin disorders are associated with persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, tissue dysfunction, and impaired wound healing. This systematic review synthesized preclinical evidence on the biological effects and molecular mechanisms of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in inflammatory and degenerative skin disorders and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251013303). Eligible studies were original, peer-reviewed in vitro or in vivo investigations evaluating H. sabdariffa L. extracts, formulations, or isolated bioactive compounds and relevant dermatological outcomes; non-original publications, human studies, other Hibiscus species, and studies without appropriate controls were excluded. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched on 24 March 2025. Study selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers, with methodological quality assessed using the SYRCLE Risk of Bias tool supplemented with criteria relevant to preclinical phytopharmacological research. Sixteen studies were included: nine in vitro, six in vivo, and one combined study. Because of substantial heterogeneity, results were synthesized narratively using mechanistic mapping and comparative assessment rather than meta-analysis. Anti-inflammatory effects were reported in 13 studies (81.3%), antioxidant effects in 12 (75.0%), and wound-healing/tissue-regenerative effects in 9 (56.3%); anti-fibrotic/photoaging effects occurred in 7 (43.8%), and anti-melanogenic activity in 4 (25.0%). Heterogeneity and methodological limitations restrict direct comparison and condition-specific conclusions. These findings indicate dermatoprotective potential, but standardized preclinical and clinical studies are warranted. Funding was provided by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG), the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq).
SN  - 1422-0067
ER  -