Hibiscus sabdariffa: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Bissap, Karkadé, Guinea sorrel
Scientific name(s)
hibiscus sabdariffa
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Organic acids
Pectin
Anthocyanosides
Polyphenols
Citric acid
Vitamin C
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
High blood pressure ✪✪✪✪✪
Meta-analyses indicate that Hibiscus sabdariffa tea can modestly reduce blood pressure in prehypertensive or mildly 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 per day for 2 to 6 weeks. Some trials increased the dose up to 15 or 20 g per day for 2 to 3 weeks. Hibiscus was more effective than hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg/day and as effective as captopril 25 mg twice daily in lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The results indicate a reduction in systolic pressure of 5-8 mmHg and diastolic pressure of about 4 mmHg.
Posologie
Oral use: 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 found that a daily intake of 500 mg of Hibiscus sabdariffa powder for 4 weeks modestly reduces systolic blood pressure and triglycerides. Another study shows that an extract of 100 mg per day slightly improves fasting glucose and the lipid profile, especially when combined with an appropriate dietary regimen.
Posologie
By mouth: 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 treatment (diet) 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 in overweight and obese women show that a combination containing extracts of Hibiscus and lemon verbena modestly promotes weight loss over 2 months compared with placebo. This combination also reduces hunger, increases satiety, and slightly improves LDL cholesterol, heart rate, and blood pressure. The effects appear less pronounced in obese individuals, with no notable change in waist circumference or body fat percentage.
Posologie
Oral: 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, may 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: flower, calyces
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
Antihypertensive
Extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa have demonstrated hypotensive effects in humans, including in individuals with or 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 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 in humans, animals, and in vitro has shown that its main active components, notably 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
Hibiscus sabdariffa extract shows anti-inflammatory effects, which may contribute to the reduction of fever and pain. Studies in animal models indicate a reduction in cytokine levels, as well as a possible inhibition of cyclooxygenase, which reduces inflammation, notably in renal cells. These actions could decrease renal inflammation in animal models of inflammation.
Usages associés
Diuretic
A study evaluated the diuretic effect of the aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa in in vivo models. The results showed a dose-dependent diuretic effect, without significantly affecting potassium excretion. The extract increased renal filtration, potentially indicating a mechanism of action via the release of nitric oxide and renal vascular relaxation, which could explain its effectiveness in treating urinary tract infections through its diuretic action.
Usages associés
Metabolic
Animal research indicates that Hibiscus sabdariffa may reduce adipogenesis and fat accumulation, as well as inhibit the breakdown and absorption of starch. Small clinical studies in healthy adults have shown that consuming Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx tea modestly reduces waist circumference without affecting most lipid parameters. Another study found that a product combining Hibiscus sabdariffa extract and lemon verbena increased satiety and reduced hunger.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adult: 100 mg - 500 mg (standardized extract)
As an infusion 5 g per 200 ml of hot water. Let steep for 20 minutes. The dry Hibiscus extracts used in clinical research are mainly prepared from the calyces and are often standardized according to anthocyanin content.
Interactions
Médicaments
Chloroquine: strong interaction
Hibiscus-based beverages significantly reduce the bioavailability of chloroquine.
Diclofenac: moderate interaction
Pharmacokinetic studies in humans show that consumption of a beverage made from Hibiscus flowers reduces diclofenac excretion compared with water.
Simvastatin: moderate interaction
A pharmacokinetic study in humans shows that taking a beverage prepared with Hibiscus flowers at the same time as a single 40 mg dose of simvastatin increases simvastatin clearance by about (amount not specified) and reduces peak concentrations.
Precautions
Pregnancy: avoid
Hibiscus sabdariffa is considered a menstrual stimulant and could have abortifacient effects.
Breastfeeding: avoid
Insufficient data.
