Comparative Study of Antioxidant Activities of White and Red Species of Acetosa Habiscus Sabdariffa Rumex Sorrel Calyces

This study investigates the comparative antioxidant activities and phytochemical compositions of the red and white species of Hibiscus sabdariffa (sorrel) calyces using qualitative, quantitative, and various antioxidant assays. Phytochemical analysis revealed distinct differences between the two species. The red species exhibited high concentrations of tannins (149.85%), phenols (66.58%), and glycosides (33.56%), while the white species showed an exceptionally high flavonoid content (\geq 120.44\%) alongside tannins (152.96%) and terpenoids (54.86%). Qualitative analyses indicated the presence of saponins, terpenoids, and glycosides in both species, with significant variations in steroid and alkaloid content. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated using DPPH, molybdate, and hydrogen peroxide (\text{H}_2\text{O}_2) scavenging assays. The red species demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity, with 64.79% inhibition at 50% concentration in the DPPH assay, while the white species showed 61.04% inhibition under the same conditions. The molybdate reduction assay revealed that the red species had higher inhibition (67.31%) at 50% concentration compared to the white species (61.62%). Both species exhibited comparable results for hydrogen peroxide scavenging ability, with 62.4% inhibition for both at 50% concentration. These results highlight the significant antioxidant potential of both species, with the white species showing a higher flavonoid concentration and the red species exhibiting a broader range of phytochemicals. This study underscores the medicinal potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa and its diverse applications in health and nutrition, particularly in combating oxidative stress-related diseases.