Everything You Need to Know About

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

Botanical family: Malvaceae
Parts used: Calyces (fleshy, cup-shaped structure surrounding the flower)
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
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Overview & Health Benefits

From vibrant crimson infusions to tangy jellies, hibiscus’ (Hibiscus sabdariffa) tart, cranberry-like flavour has long been enjoyed in beverages and traditional foods worldwide. Beyond its culinary appeal, hibiscus, particularly its ruby-red calyces, holds a prominent place in traditional medicine. Used for centuries across diverse cultures, it has been employed to address a wide array of health concerns, from managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels to supporting liver and kidney function (Da-Costa-Rocha et al., 2014; Mahadevan et al., 2009). Modern science is now exploring the basis of these traditional uses, investigating the plant's rich phytochemical profile, including its abundant anthocyanins, organic acids, and polysaccharides (Ali et al., 2005; Hopkins et al., 2013; Riaz & Chopra, 2018). These constituents, contributing to both the distinctive flavour and potential health benefits, make hibiscus a captivating subject of study in both traditional and modern herbal practice.

Key Benefits

  • Blood pressure support
  • Cholesterol balance
  • Antioxidant protection
  • Liver support
  • Mild diuretic action

Cardiovascular Support: Hibiscus has garnered significant attention for its potential role in cardiovascular health. Studies have demonstrated its ability to lower blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults (McKay et al., 2010). Moreover, research suggests that hibiscus may positively influence cholesterol levels, reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, while increasing HDL cholesterol (Hopkins et al., 2013). Its diuretic properties, which enhance urine and sodium excretion, likely contribute to its blood pressure-lowering effects (Wright et al., 2007).

Antioxidant Protection: Hibiscus calyces are rich in anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage. This antioxidant capacity is thought to underpin many of the plant's observed health benefits, including cardiovascular protection, liver health, and potential anti-cancer effects (Hopkins et al., 2013; Riaz & Chopra, 2018).

Liver Health: Hibiscus has demonstrated hepatoprotective properties, potentially due to its antioxidant effects and influence on liver enzyme activity (Riaz & Chopra, 2018).

Urinary Support: Traditionally used for urinary tract health, hibiscus shows promising antimicrobial activity in vitro against Candida albicans, E. coli, and S. aureus (Alshami & Alharbi, 2014; Higginbotham et al., 2014). Its diuretic effects also contribute to urinary tract health. Hibiscus has also been shown to increase uric acid excretion, which may be beneficial in preventing gout and kidney stones (Prasongwatana et al., 2008).

Anti-inflammatory Effects: Hibiscus contains several compounds with potential anti-inflammatory properties (Sogo et al., 2015)

Safety Profile

While generally considered safe, hibiscus presents some cautions and contraindications. Individuals with hypotension (low blood pressure) should use hibiscus cautiously and monitor their blood pressure due to its potential hypotensive effects (Mahadevan et al., 2009). Caution is also warranted for those taking medications for blood pressure or diabetes, as hibiscus may interact with these drugs (Nunes et al., 2017). Due to potential hormonal and uterine effects, pregnant and breastfeeding women, or those trying to conceive, should generally avoid hibiscus or consult a healthcare professional before use (Nunes et al., 2017). Although typically well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort (Mahadevan et al., 2009). Extremely high doses of hibiscus extract may pose a risk of liver toxicity (Mahadevan et al., 2009). As with any herbal remedy, consultation with a qualified medical herbalist before using hibiscus is advisable, especially with pre-existing medical conditions or while taking other medications.

References

Ali, B. H., Al Wabel, N., & Blunden, G. (2005). Phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological aspects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L.: A review. Phytotherapy Research, 19(5), 369–375. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1628

Alshami, I., & Alharbi, A. E. (2014). Hibiscus sabdariffa extract inhibits in vitro biofilm formation capacity of Candida albicans isolated from recurrent urinary tract infections. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 4(2), 104–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(14)60217-3

Da-Costa-Rocha, I., Bonnlaender, B., Sievers, H., Pischel, I., & Heinrich, M. (2014). Hibiscus sabdariffa L. - A phytochemical and pharmacological review. Food Chemistry, 165, 424–443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.05.002

Higginbotham, K. L., Burris, K. P., Zivanovic, S., Davidson, P. M., & Stewart Jr, C. N. (2014). Antimicrobial activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extracts against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus in a microbiological medium and milk of various fat concentrations. Journal of Food Protection, 77(2), 262–268. https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-13-313 

Hopkins, A. L., Lamm, M. G., Funk, J. L., & Ritenbaugh, C. (2013). Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in the treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia: A comprehensive review of animal and human studies. Fitoterapia, 85, 84–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2013.01.003 

Mahadevan, N., Shivali & Pradeep, K. (2009). Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.—An overview. Natural Product Radiance, 8(1), 77–83. https://www.doc-developpement-durable.org/file/Culture/Arbres-Fruitiers/FICHES_ARBRES/bissap-hibiscus%20sabdariffa&cannabinus/Review%20Paper%20Hibiscus%20sabdariffa.pdf 

McKay, D. L., Chen, C-Y. O., Saltzman, E., & Blumberg, J. B. (2010). Hibiscus sabdariffa L. tea (tisane) lowers blood pressure in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. Journal of Nutrition, 140(2), 298–303. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.109.115097 

Nunes, M. A., Rodrigues, F., Alves, R. C., & Oliveira, M. B. P. P. (2017). Herbal products containing Hibiscus sabdariffa L., Crataegus spp., and Panax spp.: Labeling and safety concerns. Food Research International, 100(Pt 1), 529–540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2017.07.031 

Prasongwatana, V., Woottisin, S., Sriboonlue, P., & Kukongviriyapan, V. (2008). Uricosuric effect of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) in normal and renal-stone former subjects. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 117(3), 491–495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2008.02.036 

Riaz, G., & Chopra, R. (2018). A review on phytochemistry and therapeutic uses of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 102, 575–586. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2018.03.023

Sogo, T., Terahara, N., Hisanaga, A., Kumamoto, T., Yamashiro, T., Wu, S., Sakao, K., & Hou, D. (2015). Anti-inflammatory activity and molecular mechanism of delphinidin 3-sambubioside, a Hibiscus anthocyanin. BioFactors, 41(1), 58–65. https://doi.org/10.1002/biof.1201 

Wright, C. I., Van-Buren, L., Kroner, C. I., & Koning, M. M. G. (2007). Herbal medicines as diuretics: A review of the scientific evidence. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 114(1), 1–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2007.07.023