What Is Hibiscus Sabdariffa? Other Names: Abelmoschus Cruentus, Ambashthaki, Roselle

What is Hibiscus Sabdariffa?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Hibiscus sabdariffa, commonly known as Roselle, is a plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. It is widely recognized for its vibrant red calyces, which are used in various culinary and medicinal applications. This article delves into the multifaceted benefits and potential risks associated with Hibiscus sabdariffa, supported by recent scientific research. Other names include: Abelmoschus Cruentus, Agua de Jamaica, Ambashthaki, Bissap, Erragogu, Flor de Jamaica, Florida cranberry, Furcaria Sabdariffa, Gongura, Groseille de Guinée, Guinea Sorrel, Hibisco, Hibiscus Calyx, Hibiscus Cruentus, Hibiscus Fraternus, Hibiscus Palmatilobus, Jamaica Sorrel, Karkade, Karkadé, Kenaf, Lo Shen, Oseille de Guinée, Oseille Rouge, Pulicha Keerai, Red Sorrel, Red Tea, Rosa de Jamaica, Rosella, Roselle, Sabdariffa Rubra Sour Tea, Sudanese Tea, Te de Jamaica, Thé Rose d’Abyssinie, Thé Rouge, Zobo, Zobo Tea.

Antihypertensive Properties

Hibiscus sabdariffa has been extensively studied for its potential to lower blood pressure. A clinical trial demonstrated that daily consumption of hibiscus tea significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults1. Another study compared the antihypertensive effects of a standardized herbal medicinal product of Hibiscus sabdariffa with lisinopril, a common antihypertensive drug. The results indicated that Hibiscus sabdariffa effectively reduced blood pressure, although to a lesser extent than lisinopril2. Additionally, a controlled trial found that Hibiscus sabdariffa extract was as effective as captopril in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients8.

Anti-Obesity and Metabolic Benefits

Hibiscus sabdariffa has shown promise in combating obesity and related metabolic disorders. A clinical trial revealed that Hibiscus sabdariffa extract reduced body weight, body mass index (BMI), and body fat in obese individuals, while also improving liver steatosis3. In animal studies, Hibiscus sabdariffa extract prevented adipogenesis and improved insulin resistance in high-fat diet-induced obese rats4. Furthermore, a study on patients with metabolic syndrome found that Hibiscus sabdariffa significantly reduced serum triglycerides and systolic blood pressure9.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

The antioxidant properties of Hibiscus sabdariffa are well-documented. A study involving healthy volunteers showed that consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract enhanced systemic antioxidant potential and reduced oxidative stress7. However, excessive consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa may have adverse effects. Research on male Wistar rats indicated that high doses of Hibiscus sabdariffa increased inflammation and blood pressure, potentially due to its high antioxidant capacity5.

Protective Effects Against Toxicity

Hibiscus sabdariffa has also been investigated for its protective effects against various forms of toxicity. A study on mice exposed to cypermethrin, a common pesticide, found that Hibiscus sabdariffa extract mitigated the neurotoxic effects of the pesticide, highlighting its potential as a neuroprotective agent6.

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Uses of Hibiscus Sabdariffa

Obesity and Fat Accumulation Reduction

Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts (HSE) have been shown to reduce body weight, BMI, body fat, and waist-to-hip ratio. It also lowers serum free fatty acids and improves liver steatosis in obese individuals1 4.

Antihypertensive Effects

HSE has demonstrated significant antihypertensive effects by reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This effect is attributed to its diuretic activity and inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2 3 7.

Antioxidant Properties

Consumption of HSE enhances systemic antioxidant potential and reduces oxidative stress markers in humans. It increases plasma antioxidant capacity and reduces malondialdehyde excretion, indicating lower oxidative stress6.

Lipid Profile Improvement

HSE has been found to improve lipid profiles by reducing triglycerides, total cholesterol, and increasing HDL cholesterol levels. It also shows potential in lowering glucose levels and improving insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome patients8 10.

Neuroprotective Effects

HSE exhibits neuroprotective effects by attenuating neurotoxicity induced by compounds like cypermethrin. It reduces oxidative stress markers and improves antioxidant enzyme activities in various organs5.

Potential Adverse Effects

Excessive and chronic consumption of HSE may lead to increased inflammation and blood pressure due to its high antioxidant capacity, which could induce a proinflammatory state9.

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Adverse Effects of Hibiscus Sabdariffa

Increased Inflammation and Blood Pressure

Excessive and chronic consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa can lead to increased total antioxidant capacity, which may result in a proinflammatory state and is associated with hypertension1.

Renal Toxicity

Chronic administration of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract can cause dose-dependent pathological changes in the kidney and variations in renal biochemical indices, suggesting potential renal toxicity4.

Reproductive Toxicity in Males

Hibiscus sabdariffa has been shown to adversely affect spermatogenesis and sperm parameters, including a decrease in sperm count, motility, and viability, as well as histological changes in the testes5 6.

High doses of Hibiscus sabdariffa can lead to significant reductions in reproductive hormones and structural damage to the testes, although these effects can be mitigated by co-treatment with ginger and garlic7.

Potential Cardiovascular Effects

While Hibiscus sabdariffa has been noted for its antihypertensive properties, it can also cause alterations in serum electrolytes, such as increased chlorine levels and a tendency to decrease sodium levels, which may have implications for cardiovascular health9.

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How has Hibiscus Sabdariffa Improved Patient Outcomes?

Antihypertensive Effects

Hibiscus sabdariffa significantly reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with hypertension, showing comparable effectiveness to conventional antihypertensive medications like lisinopril and captopril1 2 7 8.

The antihypertensive effect is likely due to its diuretic activity and inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)1 2.

Lipid Profile Improvement

Hibiscus sabdariffa has been shown to improve lipid profiles by reducing triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol while increasing HDL-cholesterol in patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes3 4 5.

These effects contribute to a better TAG/HDL-c ratio, which is a marker of insulin resistance3.

Metabolic Syndrome Management

In patients with metabolic syndrome, Hibiscus sabdariffa reduces serum glucose levels and improves insulin resistance markers3 5.

It also helps in reducing body weight, BMI, and body fat, which are crucial for managing metabolic syndrome and preventing its progression to more severe conditions like coronary heart disease and diabetes6.

Renal and Cardiovascular Benefits

Hibiscus sabdariffa has shown potential benefits in improving renal function and cardiovascular health in patients with diabetic nephropathy and hypertension9.

It enhances myocardial capillarization, which may help in restoring normal nutritional status in hypertrophic hearts due to hypertension10.

Safety and Tolerability

Clinical trials have consistently reported high tolerability and safety profiles for Hibiscus sabdariffa, with no significant adverse effects observed during the studies1 2 4 6 8.

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Hibiscus Sabdariffa Mechanisms of Action

Anti-Adipogenic and Anti-Obesity Effects

Hibiscus sabdariffa extract reduces body weight, lipid accumulation, and improves insulin resistance by downregulating adipogenic gene expression and enhancing glucose uptake in adipose tissue and muscle1 3 10.

The extract also reduces serum free fatty acids and improves liver steatosis, indicating its potential in managing obesity and related liver conditions3 10.

Antihypertensive Effects

Hibiscus sabdariffa exhibits antihypertensive properties by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and demonstrating diuretic activity, which helps in reducing blood pressure2 7 8.

The extract also shows a tendency to reduce serum sodium levels, which may contribute to its blood pressure-lowering effects2 7.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

The extract has significant antioxidant properties, which help in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This is evident from its ability to attenuate neurotoxicity and oxidative damage in various organs4.

However, excessive consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa may lead to increased inflammation and blood pressure due to its high antioxidant capacity5.

Regulation of Metabolic Pathways

Hibiscus sabdariffa influences metabolic pathways by modulating the expression of key genes involved in lipid metabolism, such as downregulating HMG-CoA reductase and SREBP-1c, and upregulating AMPK phosphorylation, which helps in improving lipid metabolism and preventing obesity10.

The extract also manages FGF21 resistance in obesity by regulating miR-34a expression and increasing the number of FGFR1 and beta-klotho receptors in adipose tissue6 9.

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Common Complaints Associated with Hibiscus Sabdariffa Use

Antihypertensive Effects and Electrolyte Imbalance

Hibiscus sabdariffa has been shown to effectively reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension, but it may cause an increase in serum chlorine levels and a tendency to decrease sodium levels, although potassium levels remain unaffected2.

Safety and Tolerability

The use of Hibiscus sabdariffa in clinical settings has demonstrated a high margin of safety and tolerability, with no intense side effects reported and no pathological modifications in hepatic and renal biochemical tests2.

Neuroprotective Effects

Hibiscus sabdariffa exhibits significant neuroprotective effects, particularly in reducing neurotoxicity induced by cypermethrin exposure, suggesting its potential in mitigating oxidative stress and biochemical changes in various organs1.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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