Malvaceae
Hibiscus Flower
Hibiscus sabdariffa
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: West Africa, Sudan (cultivated tropics)
Also known as: Roselle, Red Sorrel, Karkade, Flor de Jamaica
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Flower calyx
Therapeutic Uses
Hypertension (comparable to low-dose captopril in RCT), hypercholesterolaemia, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, UTIs.
Herbal Actions
Antihypertensive (5–10mmHg systolic — multiple RCTs), antioxidant, diuretic, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic
Active Constituents
Anthocyanins (delphinidin-3-sambubioside, cyanidin — deep red), organic acids (hibiscic, malic, citric), quercetin, vitamin C
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea💊 Capsule🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp dried calyces per 250ml, steep 10 min — deep red tart, 2–3 cups daily |
| Tincture | Standardized anthocyanin extract: 250–500mg 2–3x daily |
| Notes | 3 cups daily studied dose for hypertension. Traditional Egyptian karkade tea. Combine with hawthorn for cardiovascular formula. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Antihypertensives (additive). Antidiabetics. GERD (high acidity). Pregnancy (emmenagogue, high doses).
Side Effects: GI acidity. Dental enamel erosion (use straw). Drug interactions. Very well tolerated.