Hibiscus, Dragon’s blood from a flower

Hibiscus sabdariffa, commonly known as Roselle was first cultivated in Angola and is now grown throughout North Africa, Asia and Mexico. Called “Sour Tea” it is commonly used a refreshing drink with a zinger taste similar to cranberry juice. Hibiscus is a recommended daily consumable in our Empowered Brain Program because of its overall health benefits which I will outline shortly.

Hibiscus has played a role in traditional Asian and African medicines for generations for a variety of health conditions such as hypertension, upper respiratory issues, body temperature regulation, fluid balance, digestion, blood cleansing, metabolism and more. Its potent restorative health effects are in part due to its extremely high Vitamin C and anthocyanin (ANTH) antioxidant content.¹

Health Properties of Hibiscus

Hibiscus Lowers Cholesterol In Patients With Diabetes

In a 2009 study, 60 patients with diabetes tested their blood levels of lipids, lipoproteins, and apoproteins. The participants consumed two glasses of hibiscus tea daily for 1 month and then retested their blood lipid and cholesterol levels. Results- there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins (LDLs), triglycerides and Apo-B100, with an increase in high density lipoproteins (HDLs).²

Folk medicine often makes associations between the colors and shapes of a fruit or herb with certain health applications. Two common examples include papaya and breast milk production and figs with male reproductive function. The deep red color of the hibiscus calyces / flowers as well as the blood like color of their tea follows case in point.

Hibiscus Lowers Blood Pressure In Patients With Diabetes

A similar study performed in 2008 tested the effects of 2 cups of hibiscus tea daily for one month on diabetic patients with hypertension. The mean systolic blood pressure decreased from 134.4+/-11.8 mm Hg at the beginning of the study to 112.7+/-5.7 mm Hg after 1 month. Mean pulse pressure decreased from 52.2+/-12.2 to 34.5+/-9.3 mm. There was no significant effect on diastolic blood pressure.³

Hibiscus Reduces Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome (MeSy) is the term given to high blood insulin levels (insulin resistance), obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. MeSy is considered the clinical stage prior to coronary heart disease and diabetes. In actuality, it is a very poor sign of health if an individual already has Metabolic Syndrome.

In one study, a daily dose of 100mg hibiscus sabdariffa extract powder was given to MeSy patients over the course of one month. Not only were there significant changes in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, but also reduced blood glucose levels and lowered markers for insulin resistance.^4,5 Though hypertension, high cholesterol levels and insulin resistance seem to have difference causes, their degenerative effects on health coincide. For a single herb to effectively address (reduce) all three concurrently, without lifestyle modifications, is very promising.

Hibiscus' Potential to Reduce Harmful Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation

UV radiation exposure causes increases in oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation. This damages cellular activity and the genetic integrity of cells to correctly replicate and function. In fewer words, the harmful effects of UV radiation result in cell mutation and premature cell death. Clinical administration of hibiscus demonstrated reversal of the aforementioned parameters; this may be due to its high concentrations of the antioxidant anthocyanin.⁶ While the focal point of the research article as reduction of cellular damage from UV radiation, an appropriate takeaway is preservation of healthy cellular function.  

Hibiscus Reduces Obesity and non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver

A clinical trial performed in 2014 demonstrated that hibiscus sabdariffa extract leads to a reduction in obesity, abdominal fat, serum free fatty acids (FFAs) as well as improves liver health. This is perhaps due to the high polyphenol content in the red flowers.⁷ Polyphenols are micronutrients found in plant based foods that are best known for their antioxidant activity.

Hibiscus and Melanoma

A 2015 study demonstrated that hibiscus leaf polyphenolic extract has noteworthy properties inducing autophagic cell death in melanoma cells.⁸ A similar study in 2015 evaluated the potency of hibiscus anthocyanins for inducing apoptotic cell death in human Leukemia cells.⁹ In simple terms, it has properties that cause melanoma and leukemia cancer cells to self-destruct. Any natural substance that contributes to cancer cell apoptosis or self-destruction is worthy of further research and exploration. Considering the other health properties described above, regular hibiscus tea consumption is highly recommended.