Hibiscus

Hibiscus syriacus

Hibiscus is a versatile and popular herb known for its distinctive flavour and various features. Here’s a summary of its flavour and key characteristics, including having a tart and tangy flavour, often described as “hibiscus tea” or “cranberry-like.” The taste is refreshing and slightly astringent, making it a popular choice for herbal teas and culinary applications. It can also be enjoyed both hot and cold, and it pairs well with sweeteners like honey, agave syrup, or sugar to balance its tartness.

Hibiscus bloomTraditional therapeutic use

  • High vitamin C content.
  • Controls high blood pressure (-10 points after consuming 3 cups of tea a day for a few weeks in research).
  • Reduces high cholesterol (antioxidant properties, it helps keep LDL or “bad” cholesterol in check).
  • Hypoglycemic properties so it is useful for diabetics.
  • Can slow the growth of cancer cells (in research).
  • Helps treat liver diseases.
  • Increase the production of breast milk.
  • Anti-inflammatory.
  • Anti-bacterial.
  • Restore hormone homeostasis.
  • Reduces the pain caused by menstruation, and other unpleasant symptoms: overeating, depression, and mood swings.
  • Anti-depressant.
  • Laxative.
  • Cold treatment.
  • Weight loss and obesity.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Fluid retention.
  • Heart disease.
  • Stomach irritation.
  • Calms the nervous system and fights disease.

Hibiscus is known for a variety of health benefits, including:

  • Lowering blood pressure: Hibiscus has been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure in people with hypertension.
  • Reducing cholesterol levels: Hibiscus may help to reduce cholesterol levels, which can improve heart health.
  • Promoting weight loss: Hibiscus may help to promote weight loss by increasing metabolism and reducing fat absorption.
  • Boosting the immune system: Hibiscus is high in antioxidants, which can help to boost the immune system and protect the body from disease.
  • Reducing inflammation: Hibiscus has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
  • Improving liver health: Hibiscus may help to improve liver health and protect the liver from damage.

Hibiscus contains a variety of active ingredients, including:

  • Anthocyanins: Anthocyanins are plant pigments that give hibiscus its vibrant red colour. They are also powerful antioxidants that have been shown to have a number of health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol levels.
  • Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids are another type of antioxidant found in hibiscus. They have been shown to have a number of health benefits, such as reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease.
  • Flavonoids: Flavonoids are a group of plant compounds that have been shown to have a variety of health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and protecting the brain.
  • Organic acids: Organic acids found in hibiscus include citric acid, hibiscus acid, and malic acid. These organic acids have a number of health benefits, such as improving digestion and boosting the immune system.

In addition to these active ingredients, hibiscus also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

The active ingredients in hibiscus are responsible for its many health benefits. Hibiscus tea is a popular way to consume hibiscus and reap its health benefits. However, hibiscus can also be taken in capsule or powder form.

Hibiscus is generally safe for most people to consume. However, it is important to note that hibiscus may interact with certain medications, such as blood pressure medications and diabetes medications. It is important to talk to your doctor before using hibiscus if you are taking any medications.

Hibiscus may also cause side effects in some people, such as:

  • Stomach upset.
  • Gas.
  • Constipation.
  • Nausea.
  • Painful urination
  • Headache.
  • Ringing in the ears.
  • Shakiness.

Hibiscus is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is also not recommended for people with kidney disease or liver disease. Because these products do contain active ingredients, please ensure that you do not exceed the recommended doses and if in any doubt, or if you experience any side effects – however slight – please consult your doctor or healthcare professional.

Clinical evidence of the ingredients found in this product. These are public domain references and do not relate directly to our product.

  • Abubakar SM, Ukeyima MT, Spencer JPE, Lovegrove JA. Acute effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces on postprandial blood pressure, vascular function, blood lipids, biomarkers of insulin resistance and inflammation in humans. Nutrients. 2019;11(2). pii: E341.
  • Ahad A, Raish M, Bin Jardan YA, Alam MA, Al-Mohizea AM, Al-Jenoobi FI. Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Zingiber officinale on the antihypertensive activity and pharmacokinetic of losartan in hypertensive rats. Xenobiotica. 2020:1-11.
  • Al-Anbaki M, Cavin AL, Nogueira RC, et al. Hibiscus sabdariffa, a Treatment for Uncontrolled Hypertension. Pilot Comparative Intervention. Plants (Basel) 2021;10(5):1018.
  • Al-Anbaki M, Nogueira RC, Cavin AL, et al. Treating uncontrolled hypertension with Hibiscus sabdariffa when standard treatment is insufficient: Pilot intervention. J Altern Complement Med. 2019;25(12):1200-1205.
  • Alam MA, Bin Jardan YA, Alzenaidy B, et al. Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Zingiber officinale on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of amlodipine. J Pharm Pharmacol 2021;73(9):1151-60.
  • Alarcón-Alonso J, Zamilpa A, Aguilar FA, Herrera-Ruiz M, Tortoriello J, Jimenez-Ferrer E. Pharmacological characterization of the diuretic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn (Malvaceae) extract. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012 Feb 15;139(3):751-6.
  • Ali, B. H., Al, Wabel N., and Blunden, G. Phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological aspects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L.: a review. Phytother.Res 2005;19(5):369-375.
  • Asgary S, Soltani R, Zolghadr M, Keshvari M, Sarrafzadegan N. Evaluation of the effects of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on oxidative stress and serum levels of lipids, insulin and hs-CRP in adult patients with metabolic syndrome: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Complement Integr Med. 2016;13(2):175-80.
  • Aziz Z, Wong SY, Chong NJ. Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on serum lipids: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Nov 25;150(2):442-50.
  • Baranova, V. S., Rusina, I. F., Guseva, D. A., Prozorovskaia, N. N., Ipatova, O. M., and Kasaikina, O. T. [The antiradical activity of plant extracts and healthful preventive combinations of these exrtacts with the phospholipid complex]. Biomed.Khim. 2012;58(6):712-726.
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  • Builders PF, Kabele-Toge B, Builders M, Chindo BA, Anwunobi PA, Isimi YC. Wound healing potential of formulated extract from hibiscus sabdariffa calyx. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2013 Jan;75(1):45-52.
  • Bule M, Albelbeisi AH, Nikfar S, Amini M, Abdollahi M. The antidiabetic and antilipidemic effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Food Res Int. 2020;130:108980.
  • Cai T, Tamanini I, Cocci A, et al. Xyloglucan, hibiscus and propolis to reduce symptoms and antibiotics use in recurrent UTIs: a prospective study. Future Microbiol. 2019;14:1013-1021.
  • Chou ST, Lo HY, Li CC, Cheng LC, Chou PC, Lee YC, Ho TY, Hsiang CY. Exploring the effect and mechanism of Hibiscus sabdariffa on urinary tract infection and experimental renal inflammation. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Dec 24;194:617-625.
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  • Diantini A, Rahmat S, Alpiani A, Sumiwi SA, Lubis L, Levita J. Effect of the roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) calyces drink on the physiological parameters of healthy adult subjects. Biomed Rep 2021;15(5):89.
  • El Basheir, Z. M. and Fouad, M. A. A preliminary pilot survey on head lice, pediculosis in Sharkia Governorate and treatment of lice with natural plant extracts. J.Egypt.Soc.Parasitol. 2002;32(3):725-736.
  • Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 — Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
  • Elkafrawy N, Younes K, Naguib A, et al. 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. Phytother Res. 2020;34(12):3379-3387.
  • Fakeye TO, Adegoke AO, Omoyeni OC, Famakinde AA. Effects of water extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa, Linn (Malvaceae) ‘Roselle’ on excretion of a diclofenac formulation. Phytother Res. 2007;21(1):96-8.
  • Frank, T., Janssen, M., Netzel, M., Strass, G., Kler, A., Kriesl, E., and Bitsch, I. Pharmacokinetics of anthocyanidin-3-glycosides following consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. extract. J Clin Pharmacol 2005;45(2):203-210.
  • Frank, T., Netzel, G., Kammerer, D. R., Carle, R., Kler, A., Kriesl, E., Bitsch, I., Bitsch, R., and Netzel, M. Consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. aqueous extract and its impact on systemic antioxidant potential in healthy subjects. J Sci Food Agric. 8-15-2012;92(10):2207-2218.
  • Gurrola-Diaz, C. M., Garcia-Lopez, P. M., Sanchez-Enriquez, S., Troyo-Sanroman, R., Andrade-Gonzalez, I., and Gomez-Leyva, J. F. Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract powder and preventive treatment (diet) on the lipid profiles of patients with metabolic syndrome (MeSy). Phytomedicine. 2010;17(7):500-505.
  • Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Kafeshani M, Karimian J, Maracy MR, Entezari MH. The Effect of Green Tea and Sour Tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Supplementation on Oxidative Stress and Muscle Damage in Athletes. J Diet Suppl. 2017 May 4;14(3):346-357.
  • Haji, Faraji M. and Haji, Tarkhani A. The effect of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on essential hypertension. J.Ethnopharmacol. 1999;65(3):231-236.
  • Hernandez-Perez, F. and Herrera-Arellano, A. [Therapeutic use Hibiscus sabadariffa extract in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. A randomized clinical trial]. Rev.Med Inst.Mex.Seguro.Soc. 2011;49(5):469-480.
  • Herranz-López M, Olivares-Vicente M, Boix-Castejón M, Caturla N, Roche E, Micol V. Differential effects of a combination of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Lippia citriodora polyphenols in overweight/obese subjects: A randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep. 2019;9(1):2999.
  • Herrera-Arellano, A., Flores-Romero, S., Chavez-Soto, M. A., and Tortoriello, J. Effectiveness and tolerability of a standardized extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa in patients with mild to moderate hypertension: a controlled and randomized clinical trial. Phytomedicine. 2004;11(5):375-382.
  • Herrera-Arellano, A., Miranda-Sanchez, J., Avila-Castro, P., Herrera-Alvarez, S., Jimenez-Ferrer, J. E., Zamilpa, A., Roman-Ramos, R., Ponce-Monter, H., and Tortoriello, J. Clinical effects produced by a standardized herbal medicinal product of Hibiscus sabdariffa on patients with hypertension. A randomized, double-blind, lisinopril-controlled clinical trial. Planta Med 2007;73(1):6-12.
  • Iyare EE, Adegoke OA. Maternal consumption of an aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa during lactation accelerates postnatal weight and delays onset of puberty in female offspring. Niger J Physiol Sci. 2008 Jun-Dec;23(1-2):89-94.
  • Jalalyazdi M, Ramezani J, Izadi-Moud A, Madani-Sani F, Shahlaei S, Ghiasi SS. Effect of hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure in patients with stage 1 hypertension. J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2019;10(3):107-111.
  • Johnson SS, Oyelola FT, Ari T, Juho H. In vitro inhibitory activities of the extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (family Malvaceae) on selected cytochrome P450 isoforms. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2013 Apr 12;10(3):533-40.
  • Kolawole JA, Maduenyi A. Effect of zobo drink (Hibiscus sabdariffa water extract) on pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen in human volunteers. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2004;29:25-9.
  • Kuriyan R, Kumar DR, Rajendran R, Kurpad AV. An evaluation of the hypolipidemic effect of an extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa leaves in hyperlipidemic Indians: a double blind, placebo controlled trial. BMC Complement Altern Med 2010;10:27.
  • Lee CH, Kuo CY, Wang CJ, Wang CP, Lee YR, Hung CN, Lee HJ. A polyphenol extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. ameliorates acetaminophen-induced hepatic steatosis by attenuating the mitochondrial dysfunction in vivo and in vitro. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2012;76(4):646-51.
  • Levrini L, Azzi L, Bossi S. The efficacy of a dietary supplement with carnosine and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (AqualiefTM) in patients with xerostomia: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Clin Ter 2020;171(4):e295-e301.
  • Mahmoud, B. M., Ali, H. M., Homeida, M. M., and Bennett, J. L. Significant reduction in chloroquine bioavailability following coadministration with the Sudanese beverages Aradaib, Karkadi and Lemon. J.Antimicrob.Chemother. 1994;33(5):1005-1009.
  • Marhuenda J, Pérez-Piñero S, Arcusa R, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of a polyphenolic extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa and Lippia citriodora) for reducing blood pressure in prehypertensive and type 1 hypertensive subjects. Molecules. 2021;26(6):1783.
  • McKay DL, Chen CY, Saltzman E, Blumberg JB. Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. tea (tisane) lowers blood pressure in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. J Nutr 2010;140:298-303.
  • Micucci M, Angeletti A, Cont M, Corazza I, Aldini R, Donadio E, Chiarini A, Budriesi R. Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. Flowers and Olea Europea L. Leaves Extract-Based Formulation for Hypertension Care: In Vitro Efficacy and Toxicological Profile. J Med Food. 2016 May;19(5):504-12.
  • Milandri R, Maltagliati M, Bocchialini T, et al. Effectiveness of D-mannose, Hibiscus sabdariffa and Lactobacillus plantarum therapy in prevention of infectious events following urodynamic study. Urologia. 2019;86(3):122-125.
  • Mohagheghi A, Maghsoud S, Khashayar P, Ghazi-Khansari M. The effect of hibiscus sabdariffa on lipid profile, creatinine, and serum electrolytes: a randomized clinical trial. ISRN Gastroenterol. 2011;2011:976019.
  • Mohamed R, Fernandez J, Pineda M, Aguilar M. Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seed oil Is a rich source of gamma-tocopherol. J Food Sci 2007;72:S207-11.
  • Mozaffari-Khosravi H, Ahadi Z, Barzegar K. The effect of green tea and sour tea on blood pressure of patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized clinical trial. J Diet Suppl. 2013 Jun;10(2):105-15.
  • Mozaffari-Khosravi, H., Jalali-Khanabadi, B. A., Afkhami-Ardekani, M., and Fatehi, F. Effects of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on lipid profile and lipoproteins in patients with type II diabetes. J Altern.Complement Med 2009;15(8):899-903.
  • Mozaffari-Khosravi, H., Jalali-Khanabadi, B. A., Afkhami-Ardekani, M., Fatehi, F., and Noori-Shadkam, M. The effects of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on hypertension in patients with type II diabetes. J Hum.Hypertens 2009;23(1):48-54.
  • Najafpour Boushehri S, Karimbeiki R, Ghasempour S, et al. The efficacy of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on selected cardiovascular disease risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Phytother Res. 2020;34(2):329-339.
  • Ngamjarus C, Pattanittum P, Somboonporn C. Roselle for hypertension in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2010:1:CD007894.
  • Nwachukwu DC, Aneke E, Nwachukwu NZ, Obika LF, Nwagha UI, Eze AA. Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffaon blood pressure and electrolyte profile of mild to moderate hypertensive Nigerians: A comparative study with hydrochlorothiazide. Niger J Clin Pract. 2015 Nov-Dec;18(6):762-70.
  • Sabzghabaee AM, Ataei E, Kelishadi R, Ghannadi A, Soltani R, Badri S, Shirani S. Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa Calices on Dyslipidemia in Obese Adolescents: A Triple-masked Randomized Controlled Trial. Mater Sociomed. 2013;25(2):76-9.
  • Serban C, Sahebkar A, Ursoniu S, Andrica F, Banach M. Effect of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on arterial hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Hypertens. 2015 Jun;33(6):1119-27.
  • Showande SJ, Adegbolagun OM, Igbinoba SI, Fakeye TO. In vivo pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces extracts with simvastatin. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2017;42(6):695-703.
  • Souirti Z, Loukili M, Soudy ID, et al. Hibiscus sabdariffa increases hydroxocobalamin oral bioavailability and clinical efficacy in vitamin B(12) deficiency with neurological symptoms. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2016;30(6):568-576.
  • Wahabi, H. A., Alansary, L. A., Al-Sabban, A. H., and Glasziuo, P. The effectiveness of Hibiscus sabdariffa in the treatment of hypertension: a systematic review. Phytomedicine. 2010;17(2):83-86.
  • Zhang B, Yue R, Wang Y, et al. Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) supplementation in regulating blood lipids among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res. 2020;34(5):1083-1095.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on our website. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.