The efficacy of Hibiscus sabdariffa (rosella) in essential hypertension: systematic review of clinical trials

Australian Journal of Herbal Medicine
Volume 28 Issue 2(2016)

Hypertension is a common condition in Western nations and is associated with significant morbidity. Hibiscus sabdariffa (rosella) has a long history of traditional use across multiple continents and cultures for a number of chronic illnesses, including hypertension.

Results: Ten papers were found that met the inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity in trial design precluded combination of the results. All papers found a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the rosella groups. The decrease in SBP ranged from 6.3-31.9 mmHg in individual trials. The decrease in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was significant in nine of the ten trials and ranged from 1.1-19.7 mmHg. In comparative trials, a standardised extract of rosella (9.62 mg of total anthocyanins/dose/day) appeared to be as effective as captopril and hydrochlorothiazide, but not as effective aslisinopril.

Conclusion: Rosella appears to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment option, which may have a place in the treatment of mildto- moderate essential hypertension. Data suggests that it may provide comparable effectiveness to some pharmaceutical antihypertensive medications. Further research should focus on dose and duration of treatment,interactions with medications and quality of starting material."

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Hibiscus sabdariffa L -A phytochemical and pharmacological review
Food Chemistry

(2014) did a more recent literature review and found:
"Extracts showed antibacterial, anti-oxidant, nephro- and hepato-
protective, renal/diuretic effect, effects on lipid metabolism (anti-
cholesterol), anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive effects among others."

Randomised trial shows Hibiscus sabdariffa lowers blood pressure
The journal Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (2016) published a study:
"In hypertensive subjects, the therapeutic effectiveness of herbal
medicinal product of H. sabdariffa (200 mg of anthocyanins/daily),
administered during 16 weeks ... significantly reduced systolic and
diastolic blood pressure and shows 100% safety."

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Fitoterapia review confirms Hibiscus has an effect on blood pressure

The March 2013 issue of the journal Fitoterapia contains a review of the
literature on Hibiscus sabdariffa's effectiveness and confirms that "the
daily consumption of a tea or extract produced from HS calyxes
significantly lowered systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood
pressure (DBP) in adults with pre to moderate essential hypertension and
type 2 diabetes" and that "daily consumption of HS tea or extracts had
favorable influence on lipid profiles including reduced total cholesterol,
LDL-C, triglycerides, as well as increased HDL-C".

Hibiscus sabdariffa extract lowers blood pressure and improves

endothelial function
A study published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research (2014) found:
"H. sabdariffa extract improved metabolism, displayed potent anti-
inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and significantly reduced blood
pressure in both humans and rats."

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Tufts University hibiscus study

A Tufts University Study presented to the American Heart Association's
2008 convention, showed that people who consume Hibiscus sabdariffa
tea daily saw a significant blood pressure reduction of up to 13.2 %

Hibiscus sabdariffa and hawthorn berry research review
A thorough Natural Medicine Journal (2011) research survey states that
"Historically, folk medicine has employed H. sabdariffa for the treatment
of high blood pressure, liver diseases, and fevers" and reviews both
Hibiscus sabdariffa and hawthorne berry (Crataegus sp.) medical research
that substantiates this.

Rosellica's specially-balanced heart health formulation includes both of
these ingredients.

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Hibiscus sabdariffa compared to captopril
Phytomedicine

(2004) published a study of 70 people which showed
similar results for those who used either hibiscus tea or the
antihypertensive drug captopril for 4 weeks. Blood pressure was reduced
by at least 10% in 79% of those using hibiscus, vs. 84% of those using
captopril.

Study shows Hibiscus sabdariffa lowers cholesterol
The journal Nutrition Research (2007) published a study that showed an
average 12% drop in blood serum cholesterol after 4 weeks of taking H.
sabdariffa extract in two daily capsules.

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