www.wjpls.org │ Vol 10, Issue 3, 2024. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 47 Kéllou et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Life Science ROSELLE (HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L.): OVERVIEW OF ITS BIOLOGY, ECOLOGY, SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE AND CULTIVATION CONSTRAINTS IN WEST AFRICA Kaka Kiari Boukar Kéllou 1 *, Moussa Alio Abdourazak 2 , Mamadou Chetima Maina Boukar 1 , Moussa Diagra Saley 2 , Atta Sanoussi 3 and Bakasso Yacoubou 2 1 Université de Diffa, BP78 Diffa, Niger. 2 Université Abdou Moumouni de Niamey, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, BP 10662 Niamey, Niger. 3 Centre Régional AGRHYMET-CRA-AOS/CILSS, Département formation et Recherche, BP11011 Niamey, Niger. Article Received on 09/01/2024 Article Revised on 29/01/2024 Article Accepted on 19/02/2024 INTRODUCTION Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) belongs to the Malvaceae family (Ghazali, 1999; Bakasso et al., 2013). It is an annual or biennial plant of tropical and subtropical zones that adapts to all climatic conditions (Gomez-Leyva, 2008; Mera et al., 2009; Mehdi, 2012; Kone et al., 2018). It is native to Asia and is cultivated almost everywhere in Africa from arid and semi-arid regions (Senegal, Mali, Niger, Chad) to equatorial regions (Nigeria, Gabon, Congo Kinshasa) (Reameakers, 2002; Karma et al., 2017; Ankrah et al., 2018). In West Africa, sorrel is generally cultivated for its leaves, seeds, and calyxes which provide a source of income for farmers (Cissé et al., 2009; Hussein et al., 2010; Bakasso, 2010; McClintock et al., 2011; Atta et al., 2011; Louis et al., 2013; Kaka-Kiari et al., 2019a; Kaka- Kiari et al., 2022a), and are used for a variety of food and medicinal purposes (Hassane, 2005; Bakasso, 2010; Atta et al., 2011). In some countries of the Sahel such as Niger, Burkina and Mali, the leaves are used to prepare sauces and can be eaten cooked as a salad (Ternoy et al., 2006; Bakasso, 2010; Adamou, 2013; Kaka-Kiari et al., 2021). In Niger, fresh sorrel leaves are also pounded, cooked and served with the rice dish as a spice (Bakasso et al., 2013; Kaka- Kiari, 2020). The calyxes are used to make refreshing drinks called bissap (Bakasso, 2010; Bako et al., 2010; Atta et al., 2013; Aziato et al., 2020). Bissap is now one of the most popular ceremonial drinks in West Africa (Kaka-Kiari et al., 2019b). The seeds are used to make soumbala, which is widely consumed by the rural Sahelian population (Parkouda et al., 2008; Bakasso, 2010). It is used in the preparation of dishes to enhance the taste of sauces accompanying cereal-based dishes such as rice, millet, sorghum, corn, etc. (Bengaly et al., 2006; Aliou, 2009; Abdou et al., 2020). Roselle is often used in medication for its various secondary metabolites, which have therapeutic properties (Lépengué et al., 2009; Atta et al., 2011; Ansari et al., 2013). Furthermore, sorrel has laxative, purgative, cardio-regulating, diuretic, sedative and toning properties (Olaniran et al., 2013; Ognalaga et al., 2015). This plant is also used to treat many diseases such as cough, toothache, and hypertension disorders (Bérhaut, 1979; Hassane, 2005). Review Article ISSN 2454-2229 wjpls, 2024, Vol. 10, Issue 3, 47-56 World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences WJPLS www.wjpls.org SJIF Impact Factor: 6.129 ABSTRACT Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) is a plant native to India and Malaysia, very widespread in West African countries. It is a shrub of the Plantae kingdom belonging to the Malvaceae family, of the Hibiscus genus and of the sabdariffa species. This study aims to provide additional information for a better valorization of sorrel cultivation in West Africa. It reports on the biology, ecology, socio-economic importance and constraints related to the cultivation of this species. The morphological and agronomic characterization makes it possible to distinguish two varieties of the sabdariffa species whose phenotypes are complementary: Hibiscus sabdariffa, variety sabdariffa and Hibiscus sabdariffa, variety altissima. Sorrel is a species of tropical and subtropical regions that adapts to very varied climates. It is generally cultivated for its leaves, seeds and calyxes, which constitute a source of income for West African formers. Sorrels are also exploited for their multiple food, nutritional and medicinal properties. Insect pests are the main constraints for sorrel cultivation in West Africa. These can lead in a yield decrease of up to 80%. KEYWORDS: Roselle, Leaves, Calyxes, Seeds and Socio-economic importance. *Corresponding Author: Kaka Kiari Boukar Kéllou Université de Diffa, BP78 Diffa, Niger.