ABSTRACT
Introduction: Both kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) belong to the Malvaceae family. Method: In this study, the phytochemical analysis and anti-inflammatory activity of kenaf seed oil (KSO), kenaf seed extract (KSE), roselle seed oil (RSO) and roselle seed extract (RSE) were investigated. Results:The flavonoids content present in the roselle seed oil (RSO), roselle seed extract (RSE), kenaf seed oil (KSO) and kenaf seed extract (KSE) ranged from 52.94±7.31 mg catechin/100g of sample (KSE) to 290.05±12.04 mg catechin/100 g of (RSE); phenolic content ranged from 108.46±6.40mg GAE/ 100g of sample (RSO) to 229.65±7.91 mg GAE/ 100g of sample (RSE); saponin content ranged from 68.14±3.46 mg saponin/ 100 g of sample (KSO) to 98.50±2.44 mg saponin/ 100g of sample (RSE); terpenoid content ranged from 148.76±9.69 mg linaloo1/100g of sample (KSO) to 294.74±16.14 mg linaloo1/100g of sample (RSE); and alkaloid content ranged from 17.40±1.346%/g (KSO) to 46.95±1.792%/g (RSE). The results showed that KSE, RSO and RSE significantly inhibited (p<0.05) inflammation compared to the control. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that KSE, RSO and RSE exhibit potent anti-inflammatory property and offer potential for use as a therapeutic regiment in managing inflammatory conditions.