Unlocking the Potential of a Native Super Plant
In the bustling markets of West Africa, vibrant crimson drinks known as Bissap in Senegal, Zobo in Nigeria, and Karkadeh in Sudan offer more than just refreshment—they represent centuries of traditional wisdom surrounding a remarkable native plant: roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.). Believed to have originated in Africa, particularly West Africa, this flowering herb has traveled the world but now stands at the heart of an exciting scientific rediscovery across the continent 1 .
Despite Africa being roselle's ancestral home, research on this versatile plant has been inconsistent and underfunded. A recent analysis of the research landscape revealed that the field is not well-established, with limited publications indicating unstable and inconsistent scientific interest 1 . The geography of roselle research is notably unbalanced, with more than half of all African studies conducted in just five countries: Nigeria, Egypt, Sudan, Ghana, and Senegal 1 .
As one researcher notes, roselle "can not only contribute to agricultural development but also to addressing many challenges the continent faces" 1 .
Yet, as scientists return their attention to this native species, they're uncovering its extraordinary potential to contribute to food security, health promotion, and sustainable agriculture across Africa. This article explores how African scientists are leading a renaissance in roselle research, applying both traditional knowledge and cutting-edge technology to unlock the full potential of this underutilized botanical treasure.
Roselle belongs to the category of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS)—plants widely acknowledged as valuable resources for promoting sustainable development and transitioning to sustainable and resilient agri-food systems 1 . These species significantly contribute to conservation of agro-biodiversity, food and nutrition security, climate change adaptation, environmental integrity, and human health 1 .
Used in beverages, jams, and traditional medicines
Consumed as a nutritious vegetable
Pressed for oil or used as protein sources
Provide bast fiber for cordage and jute substitute
The therapeutic potential of roselle comes from its rich composition of bioactive compounds. The calyces contain anthocyanins (which give them their vibrant red color), flavonoids, phenolic acids, and various polysaccharides 5 . The leaves are rich in polyphenolic compounds, particularly chlorogenic acid and flavonoids 1 . These compounds contribute to roselle's potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties 3 .
In traditional medicine across Africa, roselle has been used to manage hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and various other ailments 5 . Modern science is now validating these traditional uses. For instance, a meta-analysis found that sour tea made from roselle can reduce blood pressure, while other studies have demonstrated its potential against diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even certain cancers 1 .
| Region/Country | Local Name | Traditional Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Sudan | Karkadeh | Cold drink made by soaking dried calyces |
| Nigeria | Zobo | Refreshing drink, jam production |
| Senegal | Bissap | Sugary herbal tea, social gatherings |
| Burkina Faso | Wegda | Traditional culinary and medicinal uses |
| Hausa (Northern Nigeria) | Yakuwa | Food and traditional medicine |
According to a comprehensive analysis published in 2024, research on roselle in Africa reveals both promising developments and significant challenges 1 . The systematic review drew upon 119 eligible articles identified through a search carried out on Web of Science, providing a robust overview of the research field 1 .
The analysis found that current research is multidisciplinary but unbalanced, focusing more on biological sciences than social sciences and economics 1 . This means we're learning more about the plant's chemical properties and less about its potential to improve livelihoods or contribute to local economies.
Significant geographical disparities also exist in research focus. More than half of all studies on roselle in Africa come from just five countries, leaving vast regions of the continent underrepresented in the scientific literature 1 .
| Research Aspect | Current Status | Future Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Geographical Coverage | Concentrated in 5 countries (Nigeria, Egypt, Sudan, Ghana, Senegal) | Expanded research across more African nations |
| Discipline Focus | Strong in biological sciences | More social science and economic research |
| Research Topics | Chemical composition, medicinal properties | Agronomy, climate resilience, value chain development |
| Collaboration | Limited cross-country partnerships | Enhanced African research collaboration |
One of the most exciting recent developments in roselle research comes from the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize cultivation practices. In a 2025 study published in Scientific Reports, researchers developed a machine learning framework to predict and optimize key morphological traits in roselle based on genotype and planting date 4 .
The researchers employed Random Forest and Multi-layer Perceptron algorithms to model complex relationships between planting dates, genotypes, and crop performance. This innovative approach addresses the longstanding agricultural challenge of determining the optimal combination of genetic material and planting schedule for maximum yield 4 .
The Random Forest model—an ensemble of decision trees that reduces overfitting through bootstrap aggregation—demonstrated superior performance with an R² value of 0.84, indicating excellent predictive accuracy 4 .
The research involved ten different roselle genotypes planted across five different planting dates ranging from March to July, with each combination replicated three times for robust results 4 .
The study revealed that planting date had a more significant impact on trait variation than genotype 4 . This crucial finding suggests that farmers may achieve substantial improvements in yield simply by adjusting their planting schedules, even without changing their seed sources.
Through integration with the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II), the researchers identified optimal combinations of genotype and planting date. The Qaleganj genotype planted on May 5 emerged as particularly promising, predicted to produce 26 branches per plant, 116 bolls per plant, and 1517 seeds per plant over a 176-day growth period 4 .
"The integration of ML with optimization algorithms provides a synergistic framework that leverages the strengths of both approaches," enabling data-driven decision making for farmers and breeders 4 .
Best Combination:
Qaleganj genotype
May 5 planting
| Trait | Optimal Value | Best Combination |
|---|---|---|
| Branches per plant | 26 | Qaleganj genotype, May 5 planting |
| Growth period | 176 days | Qaleganj genotype, May 5 planting |
| Bolls per plant | 116 | Qaleganj genotype, May 5 planting |
| Seed numbers per plant | 1517 | Qaleganj genotype, May 5 planting |
| Key Finding | Planting date more significant than genotype | |
Essential Tools for Unlocking Roselle's Potential
Random Forest and Multi-layer Perceptron algorithms have proven highly effective in modeling the complex, non-linear relationships between genotype, environment, and crop traits 4 . These tools help researchers predict optimal growing conditions and identify high-performing genotypes without extensive field trials.
Jasmonic acid has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing roselle's resilience to environmental stress. Recent research demonstrates that foliar application of jasmonic acid at concentrations between 10-60 mg/L can significantly mitigate drought-induced damage, improving chlorophyll content, plant biomass, and calyx yield even under severe water deficit 8 .
Microwave-assisted extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction have revolutionized the process of obtaining bioactive compounds from roselle calyces. These methods offer higher extraction yields in shorter times while minimizing degradation of heat-sensitive compounds like anthocyanins 9 .
Computer-based prediction methods including molecular docking and Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship models allow researchers to rapidly screen roselle compounds for biological activity. These tools can predict inhibitory effects on key enzymes like angiotensin-converting enzyme and xanthine oxidase, guiding more efficient drug discovery processes 9 .
As African scientists continue to explore the potential of this native plant, several promising research directions are emerging. Future studies need to pay more attention to the relationships between roselle and environmental issues like climate change, social and economic aspects such as livelihoods, and agronomic practices including fertilization, pest management, and irrigation 1 .
Given that roselle is grown across Africa, collaboration among African countries should be encouraged to pool resources, share knowledge, and develop continent-wide strategies for harnessing this botanical treasure 1 .
The integration of emerging technologies like deep neural networks and the Internet of Things presents particularly exciting opportunities . These tools could revolutionize water management, stress monitoring, and yield prediction.
Strengthening interdisciplinary research and promoting data openness is key to achieving a more resilient, sustainable, and technologically advanced future for this valuable crop .
Centuries of indigenous use across Africa for food, medicine, and cultural practices
Initial documentation of roselle's chemical composition and medicinal properties
Clinical studies confirming traditional uses for hypertension, diabetes, and other conditions
Application of machine learning for optimizing cultivation practices and predicting yields
Climate resilience, value chain development, and sustainable commercialization
Roselle represents far more than an ingredient for refreshing beverages—it embodies Africa's rich botanical heritage and holds significant promise for addressing contemporary challenges in food security, health care, and economic development. As research continues to validate traditional knowledge and apply cutting-edge scientific tools, this native plant is poised to play an increasingly important role in Africa's sustainable future.
The "rediscovery" of roselle by the scientific community, coupled with growing global interest in natural health products and functional foods, creates a unique opportunity for African nations to leverage their native biodiversity for economic and social development. With increased investment in research, particularly in agronomy, value chain development, and climate resilience, roselle could transform from a neglected species into a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture and health promotion across the continent.
As one research team aptly noted, strengthening interdisciplinary research and promoting data openness is key to achieving a more resilient, sustainable, and technologically advanced future for this valuable crop . The roselle renaissance is just beginning, and its full potential awaits discovery through the combination of traditional wisdom and modern science.