Potentials of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) in Relieving Common Colds

Abstract

The study was conducted at Indaoac Elementary School, Tabaan Sur, Tuba, Benguet from January 18, 2012 to February 6, 2012 to determine the potentials of roselle as compared to ascorbic acid in relieving common colds. There were 37 pupils with common colds out of 116 total population who were the subjects of the study. Purposive sampling was used to identify the pupils with common colds. Roselle at 25%, 50% and 75% concentrations were compared to ascorbic acid, the control treatment. Assessments were done before administering the treatment, 10 days after the first assessment then another 10 days after the second assessment. In the span of 20 days, six (6) pupils in all the treatments were relieved of common colds. This indicates that roselle at either 25%, 50%, and 75% concentration is as effective as ascorbic acid in relieving common colds. On the other hand, roselle at 75% has not shown overdose effect. Related literatures show that roselle contains essential components aside from ascorbic acid such as beta-carotene and phenolic compounds which are not present in ascorbic acid and which are effective in fighting off the effects of common colds and boosting the immune system.