2014-01-02 11:49:21
Hibiscus has a long history of traditional use amongst various cultures, consumed mainly as a tea for general enjoyment as well as for specific ailments. Historically, folk medicine has used it for the treatment of high blood pressure, liver disease and fevers. Scientific interest has grown over the past decade, with a number of human studies published showing benefits for cholesterol, blood pressure and metabolic syndrome. A study published in the journal Nutrition Research showed hibiscus extract was able to decrease serum cholesterol by between 8.3-14.4% in just one month, depending on the dose given.(1) Interestingly it was not the highest dose that offered the most benefit; ideal dose was found to be at 1000mg 3x/day. Another study published a few years later found Hibiscus at 2 cups/day taken as a brewed tea for one month significantly increased HDL while also significantly decreasing total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels in those with type 2 diabetes.(2) Its hypotensive effect has also been reproduced in several studies, with hibiscus tea taken twice daily reducing systolic blood pressure levels; in one study this was reduced by over 20 points (3, 4). With no known side effects this little herb is gaining intrigue, with a number of potential therapeutic uses.
References
1. Lin TL, Lin HH, Chen CC, Lion MC, Chou MC, Wang CJ. Hibiscus sabdariffa extract reduces serum cholesterol in men and women. Nutrition Research. 2007; 27(3):140-145.
2. Mozaffari Khosravi H, Jalalj-Khanabadi BA, Afkjami0Ardekani M, Fatehi F. J Altern Complement Med. 2009; 15(8) 899-903.
3. Haji FM, Haji TA. The effect of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on essential hypertension. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999; 65(3):231-6
4. Mozaffari Khosravi H, Jalalj-Khanabadi BA, Afkjami0Ardekani M, Fatehi F. The effects of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on hypertension in patients with type II diabetes. J Hum Hypertens. 2009; 23(1):48-54.