Hibiscus

Scientific Name(s): Hibiscus sabdariffa L.
Common Name(s): Hibiscus, Jamaica sorrel, Karkade, Karkadi, Red sorrel, Red tea, Rosa de Jamaica, Rosella, Roselle, Soborodo, Sour tea, Zobo drink

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 23, 2022.

Clinical Overview

Use

The leaves and calyces have been used as food and the flowers steeped for tea. Hibiscus has been used in folk medicine as a diuretic and mild laxative, as well as in treating cancer and cardiac and nerve diseases. Although information is limited, the potential for hibiscus use in treating hypertension and cancer, as well as for its lipid-lowering and renal effects, are being investigated.

Dosing

In trials investigating the hypotensive effect of hibiscus, daily dosages of dry calyx 10 g (approximately anthocyanin 9.6 mg) as an infusion in water, and total anthocyanin 250 mg per dose have been used for 4 weeks. Alternatively, doses of H. sabdariffa 3.75 g/day to 2 spoonfuls or 100 mg of aqueous H. sabdariffa for a duration of 15 days to 6 weeks was identified in a 2014 meta-analysis of trials investigating blood pressure effects.

Contraindications

Contraindications have not been identified.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Documented adverse reactions. Avoid use.

Interactions

Studies in healthy volunteers have shown altered chloroquine, acetaminophen, and diclofenac pharmacokinetics. The clinical effects of these interactions have not been evaluated.

Adverse Reactions

Preparations used in clinical trials were well tolerated.

Toxicology

Data are limited.

Scientific Family

• Malvaceae (mallow)

Botany

H. sabdariffa is native to Central and West Africa, but grows throughout many tropical areas. This annual herb grows to 1.5 m or higher and produces elegant red flowers. The flowers (calyx and bract portions) are collected when slightly immature. The major producing countries are Jamaica and Mexico.1, 2, 3 A related species, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (rose of Sharon), is widely cultivated for ornamental planting.

History

Hibiscus has a long history of use in Africa and neighboring tropical countries for many conditions, including hypertension, liver diseases, cancer, constipation, and fever. The fleshy red calyx is used in the preparation of jams, jellies, drinks, and cold and warm teas. The plant is also widely used in Egypt, Iran, and Thailand, as well as in Western countries. Hibiscus flowers often are found as components of herbal tea mixtures2, 3, 4, 5, 6; it is a major component of the popular herbal blend Red Zinger.

Chemistry

A large variety of compounds have been isolated from the hibiscus plant.2 As expected from their vivid color, hibiscus flowers contain various polyphenols, including anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and other pigments.2, 7, 8, 9 Oxalic, malic, citric, stearic, and tartaric acids have been identified and are, along with 15% to 28% of hibiscic or hibiscus acid (lactone of hydroxycitric acid), most likely contribute to the tartness of the herb and its teas. Roselle seed oil contains more than 25 volatile compounds, mainly unsaturated hydrocarbons, aldehydes, and alcohols.2, 5 The oil is rich in gamma tocopherol.10