If you suffer from high blood pressure, you may be interested in hibiscus extract, a traditional herbal product used as a natural antihypertensive. The flowers of hibiscus are nutritive, antioxidant and have been traditionally used to protect the heart and cardiovascular system in African countries. Herbal remedies are not intended to replace standard medical care, and you are advised to consult with your physician to determine if hibiscus extract is right for you and your individual health needs.
What is Hibiscus
Hibiscus extract comes from the flowers of the hibiscus sabdariffa, a native plant to Africa and other tropical countries. Traditional use of hibiscus flowers as a medicinal plant span from Hawaii and Jamaica to Egypt, Iran and Nigeria. According to a study published in "The Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine" in 2011, the flower is a rich source of flavonoids such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, anthocyanins, calcium and mucilage. When the dried flowers of hibiscus are infused in hot or cold water, they create a drink with a potent tart flavor and a berry-red color. Hibiscus extract can also be taken in the form of dried extracts or capsules, and as a ready-made herbal tincture.
Pharmacology
In a study published in "The African Journal of Medicine and Medical Science" in 1996, researchers from the University of Lagos discovered hibiscus extract had a significant dose-dependent antihypertensive effect on rats with high blood pressure. When the action of hibiscus on blood pressure was investigated, researchers concluded that the effect was likely through acetylcholine and histamine pathways, in addition to possibly dilating blood vessels directly. Hibiscus may also have a diuretic effect in the body, thereby decreasing blood pressure through a decrease in total blood volume.
Clinical Research
In a review of research published in "Phytomedicine" in 2010, researchers from the King Saud University in Saudi Arabia discovered studies that supported the traditional use of hibiscus in people with high blood pressure. Human clinical trials involving 390 people found hibiscus extract lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure in participants. The effect of hibiscus on blood pressure was found greater than that of black tea, but not as strong as allopathic medications such as ACE-inhibitors. More research on humans is still required to validate these results.
Safety and Toxicity
Hibiscus flowers are considered safe and non-toxic for the majority of the population. Do not use hibiscus extract during pregnancy -- hibiscus extract has known emmenagogue effects that stimulates menstrual flow. Consult with your physician before combining hibiscus extract products with prescribed medication, especially antihypertensive drugs. Hibiscus may cause some diuretic medications for high blood pressure, such as hydrochlorothiazide, to be less effective.
References
- "Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine"; Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal activities of ethanolic calyx extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa Lin. Khadem Ali, et al.; 2011
- "African Journal of Medicine and Medical Science"; Mechanisms of the Blood Pressure Lowering Effect of the Calyx Extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa in Rats; B. Adegunloye, et al.; 1996
- "Phytomedicine"; The effectiveness of Hibiscus sabdariffa in the treatment of hypertension; H.A. Wahabi, et al.; 2010
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Herb-drug interaction between the extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. and hydrochlorothiazide in experimental animals.; O.O. Ndu, et al.; 2011
- Drug Information Online: Hibiscus
