Plant Name
Hibiscus trionum L. (H. ternatus Cav.)
Botanical Info
Annual, 5-75cm heigh
Geography:
Central Asia: all reagions. Grows in steppe and deserted slopes, in river valleys and lake shores; on sandy and sandy- pebbly beaches, as a weed in crops reaching elevation of up to 1600m above the sea level
Chemical Content
All organs. Mucilage. Rubber-like materials – 0.31 %. An above-ground part. Flavonoids. Leaves. Carbohydrates: mucus – 8.5 %, polysaccharides neutral and acidic; in their composition pectine a rhamnose, galactose, a xylose traces, and also galacturonic acid. Seeds. A fat oil of 23.8 %.
Traditional Use and Activity
The plant possesses antibiotic properties against yellow-green staphilococcus. In Romania it is used as a diuretic agent. Diuretic action of infusion and extract is confirmed in experiments and is especially pronounced for leaves preparations. Roots, cortex, and an above-the-ground part are used as emollient in Chinese medicine. Caulises yield filament in quality similar to kenaf filament. Leaves decoction and syrup are sudorific. Infusion is used in the treatment of tussis having expectorating effect. Fresh leaves are used to treat warts in Azerbaijan and Pakistan. Leaves and fruits are laxative. Flowers infusion treat itching, dermal diseases, and is also used as diuretic in China and Malaysia. Seed oil is nutritious with applications similar to kenaf and American jute oil. It is used in soap-making.