Description

Hibiscus syriacus, commonly known as the rose of Sharon, is a deciduous shrub native to East Asia, particularly Korea, China, and Japan. It is renowned for its showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that can vary in color from white to pink, red, and purple. The plant is valued for its ornamental beauty and versatility in landscaping, as well as for its potential therapeutic uses.

Botanical Classification:

Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Hibiscus
Species: H. syriacus
Common Names: Rose of Sharon, Syrian Hibiscus

Plant Characteristics:

Size: Typically grows 2 to 4 meters (6 to 13 feet) in height, with a similar spread.
Leaves: Broad, ovate, and toothed with a deep green color. The leaves are alternately arranged and have a leathery texture.
Flowers: The flowers are large, 7-10 cm (3-4 inches) in diameter, and bloom from mid-summer to fall. They have five petals and may exhibit a range of colors.
Fruit: The plant produces a dry capsule containing seeds that are dispersed by wind.

Chemical Composition and Structure:
The chemical composition of Hibiscus syriacus includes various bioactive compounds:

Flavonoids: Such as quercetin and kaempferol, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tannins: Provide astringent qualities and contribute to the plant's antimicrobial activity.
Anthocyanins: Pigments responsible for the plant's vibrant flower colors, which also have antioxidant properties.
Polysaccharides: Found in the plant's mucilage, which can have soothing effects.

Uses and Benefits:

Cosmetic: Hibiscus syriacus is used in skincare products for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps improve skin elasticity, reduce signs of aging, and soothe irritated skin.
Medicinal: Traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat various ailments such as inflammation, digestive issues, and skin conditions. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial for general health.
Ornamental: Widely used in landscaping for its attractive flowers and ease of care. It is popular in garden design for creating colorful and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
Ecological: The plant provides habitat and food for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Applications:

Cosmetics: Incorporated into creams, serums, masks, and lotions for its anti-aging, soothing, and antioxidant effects.
Medicinal Products: Used in teas, tinctures, and supplements aimed at reducing inflammation and supporting overall health.
Landscaping: Planted in gardens, parks, and urban green spaces for its ornamental value and ability to thrive in various soil conditions.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: Hibiscus syriacus is a hardy plant that requires minimal maintenance and water once established, making it an environmentally friendly choice for landscaping. It is well-suited to a range of soil types and can contribute to biodiversity.
Safety: Generally safe for use in cosmetics and herbal remedies. However, individuals with allergies to plants in the Malvaceae family should exercise caution.

INCI:


Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Antioxidant agent. Ingredient that counteracts oxidative stress and prevents cell damage. Free radicals, pathological inflammatory processes, reactive nitrogen species and reactive oxygen species are responsible for the ageing process and many diseases caused by oxidation.
Synonyms:

CAS: 223749-10-8