Hibiscus

http://www.drugs.com/npc/hibiscus.html
 Hibiscus
• Scientific names: Hibiscus sabdariffa
• Common names:
Karkade, red tea, red sorrel, Jamaica sorrel,
rosella, soborodo (Zobo drink), Karkadi, roselle,
and sour tea.
 Efficacy-safety rating:
Safety rating:
– ...Little exposure or very minor concerns.
 What is Hibiscus?
• Roselle is native to tropical Africa, but today
grows throughout many tropical areas.
• This annual herb produces elegant red
flowers.
• The major producing countries are Jamaica
and Mexico
 What is Hibiscus used for?
• Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses
– The flowers is used as perfumes.
– The plant is used as constipation treatment.
– The fiber is used as a jute substitute.
– The fleshy red calyx is used in the preparation of
jams, jellies, and cold and warm teas and drinks.
– The leaves have been used like spinach.
– The plant is used for the treatment of cardiac and
nerve diseases and described as a diuretic.
 What is Hibiscus used for?...cont.
• Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses
– The treatment of hypertension.
– The treatment of cancers. (little or no evidence).
– The mucilaginous leaves are used as a topical emollient.
– Hibiscus flowers are found as components of herbal tea
mixtures.
– As roselle juice.
– Karkade seed products (ie, karkade defatted flour,
protein concentrate, protein isolate) have been studied
for their nutritional and functional value.
 Hypertension
• the use of sour tea for treating hypertension
requires further study.
 Antibacterial/Vermifuge
• In laboratory and animal studies, worms were
killed by hibiscus extracts.
• Little or no clinical data regarding the use of
hibiscus as an antibacterial or vermifuge.
 Chemopreventive effects
• Components of hibiscus have shown potential
as a chemopreventative agent against tumor
promotion in laboratory and animal studies.
• Anti-inflammatory properties.
• Research reveals little or no clinical data.
 Laxative effects
• Research reveals little or no human clinical
data regarding the use of hibiscus as a
laxative.
 Other uses
• Renal stone formation, as well as its
respiratory and sedative effects.
• no clinical evidence.
• Hibiscus anthocyanins have shown antioxidant
activity in protecting against hepatotoxicity in
rats.
• Application and action in humans has yet to
be investigated.
 What is the dosage of Hibiscus?
• Roselle has generally recognized as safe
(GRAS) status as a foodstuff.
• A typical dose as a tea is 1.5 g.
 Is Hibiscus safe?
Contraindications
• Contraindications have not yet been
identified.
 Pregnancy/nursing
• Avoid use. Roselle has emmenagogue (to
stimulate menstrual flow) effects.
 Interactions
• Hibiscus beverages may reduce chloroquine
plasma levels, decreasing the effectiveness.
 Side Effects
• No data.
 Toxicities

• The flowers are considered relatively nontoxic.

However, high doses have caused death in
mice within 24 hours.
 References
• http://www.drugs.com/npc/hibiscus.html