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Hibiscus

Uses

Botanical names:
Hibiscus rosa, Hibiscus sabdariffa

Parts Used & Where Grown

Members of the Malvaceae family, various species of hibiscus are shrubs found practically around the globe. The flower of hibiscus is the part used as medicine. The most widely known and best-studied species tend to be annuals from the tropics, such as the two that are focused on here. There are, however, hardy perennial species that survive in colder climates. Another hibiscus not discussed here is Hibiscus esculenta, or okra.

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for Why
3 Stars
Hypertension
750 mg of hibiscus extract per day; or 1 tsp (1 to 2 grams) dried flowers brewed as tea, taken two to three times per day
Clinical trials have shown that Hibiscus sabdariffa, as tea or tablet, can lower high blood pressure and some trials suggest hibiscus tea may be as potent as certain blood pressure medications.

The hibiscus family of flowering plants consists of a number of related species, the most studied of which is Hibiscus sabdariffa. Hibiscus flowers may be best known for their vitamin C content and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and multiple studies indicate hibiscus may be helpful in improving all aspects of metabolic syndrome, including high blood pressure.

Several clinical trials have shown that can lower blood pressure. A meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials with a total of 390 participants found Hibiscus sabdariffa lowered high blood pressure, and was more effective in those with mild blood pressure elevation. In one trial that included 125 hypertensive subjects, 320 mg of Hibiscus sabdariffa twice daily worked as well as ramipril (an anti-hypertensive drug in the ACE inhibitor family) at reducing diastolic pressure, and while it also reduced systolic pressure, this reduction was not as great as with ramapril. Hibiscus sabdariffa was also found to be as effective as the blood pressure-lowering drugs captopril and lisinopril (other ACE inhibitors) and more effective than hydrochlorthiazide (a diuretic used to treat hypertension) in randomized controlled comparison trials in people with high blood pressure.

1 Star
Fever
Refer to label instructions
Hibiscus flowers contain substantial quantities of flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, which are associated with fever-reducing (antipyretic) activities.

The flowers contain substantial quantities of flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, which are associated with antioxidant, fever-reducing (antipyretic), pain-relieving (analgesic), and spasm-inhibiting (spasmolytic) activities. Of the many polysaccharides, the acidic polysaccharides show the most interesting properties.

1 Star
Type 1 Diabetes
Refer to label instructions
Hibiscus is a traditional remedy in India for diabetes.
Hibiscus is a traditional remedy in India for diabetes. Animal research suggests hibiscus extract may stimulate regeneration of pancreatic cells that produce insulin, reduce high glucose and lipid levels, and protect against damage to the heart and kidneys induced by type 1 diabetes. Hibiscus is usually taken as tea, 1 to 2 teaspoons (3 to 6 grams) of dried flower infused into 1 cup (250 ml) of water, three times per day.
1 Star
Type 2 Diabetes
One cup of hibiscus tea two to three times daily
Hibiscus is a traditional remedy for diabetes. Preliminary research suggests it may lower blood pressure and improve lipid levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Hibiscus has a history of use in treating diabetes. Laboratory studies show hibiscus and some of its active constituents have anti-diabetic effects, including enhancing the metabolic response to insulin and inhibiting enzymes that facilitate carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption. Its potential to improve glycemic control and reduce production of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs, damaged molecules that cause cell and tissue injury) has been demonstrated in animal models of type 2 diabetes. In humans, drinking hibiscus tea two to three times per day for one month was found to improve lipid levels and reduce high blood pressure in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Hibiscus tea is usually made by infusing 1 to 2 teaspoons (3 to 6 grams) of dried flower into 1 cup (250 ml) of hot water.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

Teas made from hibiscus flowers and, occasionally, leaves are a very common beverage in tropical regions where they grow. The cool, astringent, acidic flavor is widely recognized and has made it a staple of “zinger” type teas in the United States. All parts of hibiscus plants are used traditionally. Due to their soothing (demulcent) and astringent properties, the flowers and leaves have been traditionally used to treat conditions such as cancer and gallbladder attacks, to lower blood pressure, to relieve dry coughs, and topically to treat skin afflictions.1 The root has been used as a tonic. The stems yield fibers that can be used to make rope or burlap.

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PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.