Plants have been used by humans since the beginning of civilizations as food, shelter, clothing and fodder. Later, they began to be used in cosmetics, and medicines. Since past decades substantial use of plants as sources of medicines has led to their immense appeal to humankind, which has been attributed to the presence of a wide variety of pharmacological applications. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. is an ornamental plant which grows worldwide. The bioactive components present in considerably large amounts are flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids and saponins. These plants have a wide variety of drug related actions against fertility, microbes, inflammation, diabetes and as an antioxidant and febrifuge. This study emphasizes the chemical composition, and uses of the plant for antioxidant and anti-diabetic activity as well as future prospects of harnessing its beneficial effects in the form of beverages.