[In vitro enzyme inhibitory and in vivo cardioprotective activities of hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)].

Abstract

A crude hydroalcoholic extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyces showed in vitro an appreciable enzyme-inhibiting activity towards the Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme (ACE), attributable to flavones, but weak inhibiting activities towards elastase, trypsin and alpha-chymotrypsin. The angioprotective activity in vivo, also important, was due to flavones and anthocyanins.