Description

Hibiscus syriacus, commonly known as the rose of Sharon, is a deciduous shrub native to East Asia, including Korea, China, and Japan. It is celebrated for its striking, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in colors ranging from white to pink, red, and purple. The plant is valued both for its ornamental appeal in landscaping and its potential therapeutic benefits.

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 and 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 feature five petals and can exhibit a range of colors.
Fruit: Produces a dry capsule containing seeds, which are dispersed by wind.

Chemical Composition and Structure:
The extract of Hibiscus syriacus includes several bioactive compounds:

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

Uses and Benefits:

Cosmetic: Hibiscus syriacus extract is used in skincare products for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. It helps improve skin texture, elasticity, and overall radiance, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Medicinal: Traditionally utilized in herbal medicine for treating inflammation, digestive issues, and skin conditions. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties support general health.
Ornamental: Widely used in landscaping due to its attractive flowers and low maintenance requirements. It is popular in garden design for creating colorful and aesthetically pleasing environments.
Ecological: Provides habitat and food for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Applications:

Cosmetics: Incorporated into creams, serums, lotions, and masks for its anti-aging, soothing, and antioxidant effects.
Medicinal Products: Used in teas, tinctures, and supplements aimed at reducing inflammation and promoting overall health.
Landscaping: Planted in gardens, parks, and urban green spaces for its ornamental value and adaptability to different 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 thrives in a variety of soil types and contributes 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:


Agente condizionante della pelle. Rappresenta il perno del trattamento topico della pelle in quanto ha la funzione di ripristinare, aumentare o migliorare la tolleranza cutanea a fattori esterni, compresa la tolleranza dei melanociti. La funzione più importante dell'agente condizionante è prevenire la disidratazione della pelle, ma il tema è piuttosto complesso e coinvolge emollienti ed umettanti che possono essere aggiunti nella formulazione.

Agente condizionante della pelle - Emolliente. Gli emollienti hanno la caratteristica di migliorare la barriera cutanea tramite una fonte di lipidi esogeni che aderiscono alla pelle migliorando le proprietà della barriera, riempiendo le lacune dei cluster intercorneocitari per migliorare l'idratazione proteggendo dall'insorgenza di infiammazioni. In pratica hanno la capacità di creare una barriera che previene la perdita di acqua transepidermica. Gli emollienti sono additivi sgrassanti o rinfrescanti che migliorano il contenuto lipidico degli strati superiori della pelle prevenendo lo sgrassamento e l'essiccazione della pelle. Il problema degli emollienti è che molti presentano un forte carattere lipofilo e sono identificati come ingredienti occlusivi; si tratta di materiali oleosi e grassi che permangono sulla superficie cutanea e riducono la perdita di acqua transepidermica. In cosmetica, emollienti ed idratanti sono sovente considerati sinonimi anche in presenza di umettanti ed occlusivi.

Agente antiossidante. Ingrediente che contrasta lo stress ossidativo e che evita danni cellulari. I radicali liberi, i processi infiammatori patologici, le specie reattive dell'azoto e le specie reattive dell'ossigeno sono responsabili del processo di invecchiamento e di molte malattie causate dall'ossidazione.
Synonyms:

CAS: 223749-10-8