MINERAL ELEMENTS AND LIPID PROFILE OF Hibiscus Sabdariffa SEEDS AND IN SILICO STUDY OF INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF CALYX-CONTAINING GOSSYPETIN AGAINST HUMAN ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME (ACE)

Abstract

Despite the recognized health benefits of Hibiscus sabdariffa and its various parts, the nutritional composition of its seeds and medicinal properties of its calyx are poorly understood. This study investigates the mineral composition, lipid profile and medicinal properties of Hibiscus sabdariffa seeds and calyx. Mineral elements (K, Ca, Fe, Mg, Na) were determined by the method of Association of analytical chemists (2000). Total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were determined using standard method of analysis. The seed contains significant levels (mg/L) of potassium (8.71), calcium (32.15), iron (4.99), magnesium (3.54) and sodium (4.17). The lipid profile revealed total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL of 102.35 mg/dL, 99.358 mg/dL, 82.46 mg/dL and 53.92 mg/dL respectively. Further studies using molecular docking reveals the potential of the active compound in H.sabdariffa calyx; gossypetin as promising antihypertensive agent through inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). The compound demonstrates excellent binding to ACE (-8.74 kcal/mol) greater than a standard antihypertensive drug; lisinopril (-7.19 kcal/mol). Gossypetin also exhibit excellent properties that could make it an important antihypertensive drug candidate. This study provides an insight into the nutritional and potential medicinal application of H.sabdariffa seeds and calyx respectively.