Hibiscus sabdariffa: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Bissap, Karkade, Guinea sorrel
Scientific name(s)
hibiscus sabdariffa
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Organic acids
Pectin
Anthocyanosides
Polyphenols
Citric acid
Vitamin C
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
High blood pressure ✪✪✪✪✪
Meta-analyses indicate that Hibiscus sabdariffa tea can modestly reduce blood pressure in pre-hypertensive or slightly hypertensive patients, with doses of 1.25 to 10 g of dried flowers, infused in 150 to 500 ml of water, one to three times a day for 2 to 6 weeks. Some trials have increased the dose up to 15 or 20 g per day for 2 to 3 weeks. Hibiscus proved more effective than hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg/day and as effective as captopril 25 mg twice a day in lowering systolic and diastolic pressure. Results indicate a decrease in systolic pressure of 5-8 mmHg and diastolic pressure of about 4 mmHg.
Posologie
Orally: flower, calyces
1.25 - 20 g
herbal tea/tea/infusion
Treating Uncontrolled Hypertension with Hibiscus sabdariffa When Standard Treatment Is Insufficient: Pilot Intervention
Antihypertensive efficacy and safety of a standardized herbal medicinal product of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Olea europaea extracts (NW Roselle): A phase-II, randomized, double-blind, captopril-controlled clinical trial
Hibiscus sabdariffa, a Treatment for Uncontrolled Hypertension. Pilot Comparative Intervention
Metabolic syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
As highlighted by some scientific studies, Hibiscus sabdariffa is recognized for its beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. A study on adults with metabolic syndrome revealed that a daily intake of 500 mg of Hibiscus sabdariffa powder for 4 weeks modestly reduces systolic blood pressure and triglycerides. Another research shows that an extract of 100 mg per day slightly improves fasting glucose and lipid profile, especially in combination with an adapted dietary regimen.
Posologie
Orally: flower, calyces
100 - 500 mg
Adults
dry extract
The effect of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on essential hypertension
Clinical effects produced by a standardized herbal medicinal product of Hibiscus sabdariffa on patients with hypertension. A randomized, double-blind, lisinopril-controlled clinical trial
Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract powder and preventive diet treatment on the lipid profiles of patients with metabolic syndrome (MeSy)
The effects of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on hypertension in patients with type II diabetes
Hibiscus sabdariffa extract lowers blood pressure and improves endothelial function
Hibiscus sabdariffa L. tea (tisane) lowers blood pressure in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults
Treating Uncontrolled Hypertension with Hibiscus sabdariffa When Standard Treatment Is Insufficient: Pilot Intervention
Clinical efficacy of African traditional medicines in hypertension: A randomized controlled trial with Combretum micranthum and Hibiscus sabdariffa
Obesity ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical trials on overweight and obese women show that a combination containing Hibiscus and lemon verbena extracts modestly promotes weight loss over 2 months compared to placebo. This combination also decreases hunger, increases satiety, and slightly improves LDL cholesterol, heart rate, and blood pressure. The effects seem less pronounced in obese individuals without notable change in waist circumference or body fat percentage.
Posologie
Orally: flower, calyces
500 mg
12 weeks
Adults
polyphenolic extract
Synergies
Synergism of plant-derived polyphenols in adipogenesis: perspectives and implications
Differential effects of a combination of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Lippia citriodora polyphenols in overweight/obese subjects: A randomized controlled trial
Hibiscus and lemon verbena polyphenols modulate appetite-related biomarkers in overweight subjects: a randomized controlled trial
Hibiscus sabdariffa extract inhibits obesity and fat accumulation, and improves liver steatosis in humans
Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used for Treatment of Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus - Screening for Pancreatic Lipase and α-Amylase Inhibition
Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract powder and preventive treatment (diet) on the lipid profiles of patients with metabolic syndrome (MeSy)
Urinary tract infections ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies suggest that Hibiscus sabdariffa, combined with other ingredients, could reduce recurrent symptomatic urinary tract infections in women. A product combining 200 mg of Hibiscus, 1000 mg of D-mannose, and 1 billion units of Lactobacillus plantarum was used daily for 15 days per month over 6 months. Thanks to its diuretic action, Hibiscus is traditionally indicated as a preventive treatment for urinary tract infections.
Posologie
Oral route: flower, calyx
200 mg
herbal tea/tea/infusion, dry extract
Effectiveness of D-mannose, Hibiscus sabdariffa and Lactobacillus plantarum therapy in prevention of infectious events following urodynamic study
Efficacy of food supplement Acidif plus® in the treatment of uncomplicated UTIs in women: a pilot observational study
Properties
Hypotensive
Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts have shown hypotensive effects in humans, both in individuals with and without hypertension. These effects could be explained by several mechanisms, such as a diuretic effect increasing the excretion of urine, sodium, and chloride, inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzymes, vasodilation, or through mechanisms similar to those of histamine or acetylcholine. Research indicates a decrease in blood sodium levels, potentially contributing to the reduction of blood pressure.
Usages associés
Effect of the roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) calyces drink on the physiological parameters of healthy adult subjects
The efficacy of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on selected cardiovascular disease risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Antioxidant
The extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa is recognized for its antioxidant effects, which could contribute to its clinical benefits. Research conducted on humans, animals, and in vitro has highlighted that its main active components, including anthocyanins and protocatechuic acid, possess antioxidant properties. These effects play a role in protecting blood vessels, as well as the liver and kidneys, in addition to participating in cell signaling to induce apoptosis and the death of cancer cells.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
The extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa shows anti-inflammatory effects, potentially contributing to the reduction of fever and pain. Studies on animal models indicate a reduction in cytokine levels, as well as potential inhibition of cyclooxygenase, which reduces inflammation, notably in renal cells. These actions could decrease renal inflammation in animal inflammation models.
Usages associés
Diuretic
A study evaluated the diuretic effect of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa on in vivo models. Results showed a dose-dependent diuretic effect, without significantly affecting potassium excretion. The extract increased renal filtration, potentially indicating an action mechanism via nitric oxide release and renal vascular relaxation, which could explain its effectiveness in treating urinary infections through its diuretic action.
Usages associés
Metabolic
Animal research indicates that Hibiscus sabdariffa can reduce adipogenesis and fat accumulation, as well as inhibit the breakdown and absorption of starch. Small-scale clinical studies in healthy adults have shown that consuming tea from Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces modestly reduces waist circumference without impacting most lipid parameters. Another study revealed that a product combining extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa and lemon verbena increases satiety and reduces hunger.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult: 100 mg - 500 mg (titrated extract)
In infusion 5 g for 200 ml of hot water. Let infuse for 20 min. The dry extracts of Hibiscus used in clinical research are mainly prepared from the calyx and often standardized based on anthocyanin content.
Interactions
Médicaments
Chloroquine: strong interaction
Hibiscus-based drinks significantly reduce the bioavailability of chloroquine.
Diclofenac: moderate interaction
Pharmacokinetic research in humans shows that consuming a Hibiscus flower-based drink reduces diclofenac excretion compared to water.
Simvastatin: moderate interaction
A pharmacokinetic study in humans shows that taking a drink made with Hibiscus flowers concomitantly with a single dose of 40 mg of simvastatin increases the clearance of simvastatin and reduces peak concentrations.
Precautions
Pregnant woman: avoid
Hibiscus sabdariffa is considered a menstrual stimulant and may have abortive effects.
Breastfeeding woman: avoid
Insufficient data.
