That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Scientific evidence from human, animal, and lab studies point to numerous potential health benefits of hibiscus.
Penpak Ngamsathain / Getty Images
Stronger research is needed to reach conclusions on hisbiscus’s benefits.
The research behind some of the more popular uses of hibiscus is outlined below.
In one study, adults with diagnosed stage 1 hypertension were divided into two groups.
However, it was a small study, with only 46 individuals who participated.
Few studies exist that look at hibiscus solely for its potentialdiureticproperties.
Instead, hibiscus has shown diuretic effects in studies focusing on other health conditions.
These effects led to improved kidney function in those participants who used hibiscus.
Additional research on hibiscus as a diuretic is minimal.
More research is needed before hibiscus can be recommended as a diuretic alternative.
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a common side effect ofdiabetes mellitus.
Hibiscus may be able to help.
Hyperglycemia is typically caused byinsulin resistanceor insufficient amounts of circulating insulin after a meal or snack.
Hibiscus has exhibited blood sugarlowering activity in various studies, possibly by helping to increase insulin levels.
However, no significant difference in two-hour postprandial blood glucose results was observed between the two groups.
According to a systematic review, hibiscus may moderate blood lipids and improve dyslipidemia.
In human trials, hibiscus successfully reduced total cholesterol,triglycerides, andLDL cholesterol.
Hibiscus has also shown potential in adolescents with altered blood lipids.
The young participants were also recommended to follow a healthy diet and participate in physical activity during the study.
However, HDL (considered good cholesterol) cholesterol did not change significantly.
Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Hibiscus has been touted for its potential liver-protective effects.
A small human trial assessed the potential role of hibiscus in MASLD.
Larger human trials should be conducted to confirm these findings, though.
Penpak Ngamsathain / Getty Images
What Are the Side Effects of Hibiscus?
Hibiscus is generally thought to be safe when consumed in standard amounts.
But using an herbal supplement like hibiscus carries a potential risk of side effects.
However, another review pointed out that much of the data we have on hibiscus is from animal studies.
This makes it difficult to understand the full potential of side effects in humans.
Precautions
Despite its perceived safety, hibiscus use should be avoided or limited by certain people.
Dosage: How Much Hibiscus Should I Take?
Therefore, hibiscus dosage may vary for various health conditions and from one brand to the next.
As a rule of thumb, always follow the dosage recommendations on the product label.
Or, talk with a healthcare provider about the right hibiscus dosage for you.
Can I Take Too Much Hibiscus?
Little is known about the long-term use or safe dosage of hibiscus.
Fortunately, few studies on hibiscus have reported adverse events or toxicity associated with using the plant medicinally.
In fact, according to the FDA, hibiscus is generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
One animal study looked at the potential of both acute and chronic toxicity of hibiscus.
These results have not yet been repeated in human trials.
Regardless, it’s always best to use herbs and supplements only as directed.
Using more hibiscus than recommended may increase your risk of side effects.
Interactions
Like many other herbal supplements, hibiscus may interact with various medications.
It may also interact with other supplements or foods.
Other interactions may be possible.
Be sure to follow any additional storage directions listed on the product packaging.
Take precautions and store hibiscus out of reach of small children and pets.
Discard hibiscus as indicated on the product packaging or once it passes its expiration date.
Similar Supplements
Certain supplements and herbs may offer similar health benefits as hibiscus.
Hibiscus can be found in a number of supplement forms and even in some prepared foods.
Dried hibiscus flowers are used to make tea and other hot and cold drinks.
It is also sometimes added to wines, jams, jellies, ice cream, chocolate, and cakes.
In Mexican cuisine, hibiscus is used to make a beverage called Jamaica water.
Hibiscus Supplements
Besides tea, hibiscus can be used in other supplement forms.
These include powders, capsules, liquid extracts, tablets, and bottled beverages.
Sometimes, hibiscus is paired with other herbs or nutrients to make supplements.
Some brands may also add various flavors to hibiscus or hibiscus combination supplements.
Hibiscus supplements are usually naturally vegan andgluten-free, but some brands may use gelatin to make capsules.
Gelatin comes from animals and is not vegan.
Some hibiscus products are alsoorganic.
If you’re considering using hibiscus and have questions to be answered, talk with a healthcare provider.
Although rare, common side effects of hibiscus are upset stomach, gas, and constipation.
No supplement or herb can cause weight loss on its own.
Weight loss should never be expected when using hibiscus or other supplements.
Hibiscus advocates tout it as a natural remedy for weight loss.
Like other teas, hibiscus tea is fairly easy to make.
All you will need is water and a prepared hibiscus tea bag or dried hibiscus flowers.
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