Overview

Hibiscus sabdariffa is a flowering plant available in many forms, including as a tea, dried flowers, tablets, capsules, and liquid extract. It is commonly used to lower blood pressure. It is sometimes also used for other health benefits, but these benefits are not well defined. It seems to be well tolerated. Serious side effects are less common and include liver problems. Taking higher doses or combining it with certain medicines may increase your risk for liver problems. Before taking Hibiscus sabdariffa, tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is Hibiscus sabdariffa used for?

Hibiscus sabdariffa is commonly used by certain people to lower blood pressure.

It is also used for other reasons, including the following, but these benefits are not well defined.

• High blood sugar levels
• High cholesterol levels
• Infections
• Inflammation

It has traditionally been used in herbal beverages, both hot and cold drinks, to flavor foods, and as a supplement.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed Hibiscus sabdariffa for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does Hibiscus sabdariffa work (mechanism of action)?

Hibiscus sabdariffa is a flowering plant within the Malvaceae family. It is native to Africa and grows in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Products containing Hibiscus sabdariffa can be made from different parts of the plant, including the flower, stem, seeds, or calyx (a protective leafy structure that covers the flower bud). It is often made into flavored drinks or teas. It is also available as a dietary supplement.

Herbal products, such as Hibiscus sabdariffa, naturally contain many different chemicals. Hibiscus sabdariffa contains organic acids, anthocyanins and polyphenols (which have antioxidant properties), polysaccharides, and flavonoids. The amounts of each chemical in a specific Hibiscus sabdariffa product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

Studies have found that Hibiscus sabdariffa may help blood vessels relax by helping the body make more nitric oxide, which improves blood flow. This effect involves a specific cell pathway and is mainly linked to plant compounds called polyphenols.

Details about other uses for Hibiscus sabdariffa are not as consistent. Some studies have shown that it may reduce fever and inflammation, blood sugar, and cholesterol. These effects are likely caused by flavonoids, polysaccharides, and organic acids found in the plant. However, the data is not consistent, and the benefits for these uses are not well defined.

How should I store Hibiscus sabdariffa?

You should store Hibiscus sabdariffa according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa?

Studies have shown that Hibiscus sabdariffa is generally safe when it is consumed in normal amounts. Some people may have mild side effects, such as gas, stomach discomfort, or constipation.

There may be other side effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Hibiscus sabdariffa. This risk may be higher in people who regularly take high doses of Hibiscus sabdariffa or who use medicines that can harm the liver. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach or belly pain
• Fever
• Weakness or unusual tiredness
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Light-colored poop
• Dark-colored urine (pee)
• Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Severe Allergic Reactions. Hibiscus sabdariffa may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Hibiscus sabdariffa and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use Hibiscus sabdariffa?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Hibiscus sabdariffa.

• Hibiscus
• Hibiscus sabdariffa
• Jamaica sorrel
• Red sorrel
• Roselle
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Hibiscus sabdariffa products they stock.

What should I know about Hibiscus sabdariffa before using it?

Hibiscus sabdariffa is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep Hibiscus sabdariffa out of the reach of children.

Some people use Hibiscus sabdariffa to treat high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, do not try to treat it on your own. Talk to your health care provider about your treatment options.

Herbal products, such as Hibiscus sabdariffa, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific Hibiscus sabdariffa product can vary for many reasons. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Hibiscus sabdariffa is available in different forms, including as a tea, dried flowers, tablets, capsules, and extracts. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.

The FDA has not tested Hibiscus sabdariffa products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Hibiscus sabdariffa?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Hibiscus sabdariffa is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Hibiscus sabdariffa may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Hibiscus sabdariffa, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Liver or kidney problems
• High or low blood pressure
• Diabetes

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Hibiscus sabdariffa could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. However, animal data suggest that it may be harmful, possibly leading to miscarriage. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Hibiscus sabdariffa passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does Hibiscus sabdariffa interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Hibiscus sabdariffa and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Hibiscus sabdariffa.

Does Hibiscus sabdariffa interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss with your health care provider if you are using any of the following before taking Hibiscus sabdariffa:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is a medicine used for pain or fever
• A medicine or supplement for high blood pressure
• A medicine or supplement for diabetes

The interactions between Hibiscus sabdariffa and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with Hibiscus sabdariffa is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking Hibiscus sabdariffa with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Hibiscus sabdariffa?

If you or someone else has used too much Hibiscus sabdariffa, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Hibiscus sabdariffa is available in many different forms, including powders, dried flowers, tablets, capsules, extracts, or teas. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use Hibiscus sabdariffa safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.