Hibiscus’ scientific name is Hibiscus sabdariffa. It’s a perennial plant that belongs to the Malvaceae (i.e. mallow) family of plants.
Hibiscus, also known as rose mallow, is a frost tender flowering plant that belongs to the Malvaceae (Mallow family). There are over 200 species of hibiscus that can be found in the warm and tropical regions all over the world.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), also known as rose mallow, is a frost tender flowering plant that belongs to the Malvaceae (Mallow family). There are over 200 species of hibiscus that can be found in the warm and tropical regions all over the world.
Fast facts on Hibiscus:
Hibiscus appears to be a safe and well-tolerated herb.
Research indicates that this herb is helpful for reducing blood pressure and blood lipid levels.
It also appears that this herb has strong antioxidant properties.
What is in Hibiscus? Hibiscus has medicinal properties and contains many healthful compounds which improve:
Boost Metabolism;
Enforce Immunity System;
Ease Digestion;
Detoxification of the blood;
Quality of Vitamin storage;
Hibiscus contains many healthful compounds such as:
Vitamin A
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
B2 (riboflavin)
B3 (niacin), B-6
Folate and Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Calcium
Potassium
Iron
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Zinc
It is also extremely low in fats and contains no harmful cholesterol.
What are the benefits?
Hibiscus is believed to have many benefits and its uses range from health and beauty to helping prevent and cure diseases. The benefits of hibiscus include:
1. Protecting and nourishing skin and hair
Hibiscus is beneficial for protecting hair against free radicals and keeps it clean and healthy. Hibiscus also contains protein, which means it is helpful in protecting skin cells from damage. It also contains hydrating and detoxifying elements, which also boost the skin and hair.
It can be successful in curing skin infections and sores.
2. Treating edema
Edema is a painful condition where fluid builds up in specific tissues in the body. The anti-inflammatory properties of Hibiscus may be effective in preventing edema from developing.
3. Protecting the liver
Hibsicus appears to protect the liver against damage caused by anti-tubercular drugs and can quicken its repair process.
A human clinical trial involving 19 overweight people found that consuming Hibiscus extract for 12 weeks improved fatty liver disease. Having excess liver fat can lead to an increased risk of liver failure.
The researchers noted that their end-of-study data showed that consumption of hibiscus extract reduced body weight, BMI, body fat, and waist-to-hip ratio in the study participants.
4. Preventing and treating cancer Hibiscus extracts contain properties that might help prevent cancer developing. It also contains Anthocyanin, which is a compound that suppresses the development of cancer cells.
5. Treating stomach complaints
Hibiscus extracts might help treat some stomach disorders, such as constipation, gastritis, and ulcerative colitis. The antibiotic and antibacterial properties of Hibiscus may help inhibit the growth of various pathogens, and its high vitamin content helps with digestion.
6. Fighting against bacterial diseases
Due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, Hibiscus extracts might combat infections caused by Salmonella, Rhizopus, and E. coli.
7. Making bones healthier
Hibiscus also contains calcium and phosphorous, which help keep bones healthy and strong. Along with its anti-inflammatory properties Hibiscus extract might help to treat conditions such as arthritis and may also heal damaged bones.
8. Treating mood disorders
Hibiscus is thought to be helpful in treating depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
9. Protecting the cardiovascular system and lowering cholesterol
The powerful antioxidants found in Hibiscus extract might help prevent cardiac damage and has also been shown to maintain a healthy heart. Research indicates that hibiscus may help to reduce LDL cholesterol numbers and increase HDL cholesterol numbers.
10. Helping wounds to heal
Extract of Hibiscus has been shown to help wounds close as well as reduce the appearance of scars.
11. Treating diabetes
Hibiscus helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, as well as sugar and protein in the urine. This improved the hemoglobin levels and overall protein content in those tested.
12. Treating asthma
Hibiscus may help reduce the severity of some asthma attacks and protect against bronchial constrictions. It has also been shown to assist with better lung function and breathing overall.
13. Protecting against kidney disorders
People may be less likely to develop stones in the kidneys, bladder or uterus if they ingest Hibiscus extract. Hibiscus contains high levels of antioxidants that might aid toxicity levels in the kidneys.
14. Reducing high blood pressure
Hibiscus has been shown to lower blood pressure due to its diuretic properties, antioxidants, and other constituents. It is known to clear up arteries and slow down the release of hormones that constrict blood vessels by acting as a natural angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.
15. Improving eye health
Hibiscus contains eyesight-improving properties thanks to its high antioxidant levels. Hibiscus may stop the dilation of retinal vessels, prevent the thickening of capillary membranes, and inhibit retinal dysfunction.
16. Treating anemia and sickle cell disease Hibiscus might help a person’s body absorb more iron, therefore increasing their red blood cell count. It is thought the plant extract is very helpful in treating and preventing anemia and sickle cell disease.
17. Iron
The most impressive mineral present in hibiscus tea is iron. An 8-ounce serving of hibiscus tea delivers 20.5 milligrams of iron. That's 114 percent of the 18 milligrams you need for the entire day. Iron is crucial for the formation of red blood cells, which help your body absorb enough oxygen. The mineral also plays a role in the function of your immune system and in making fuel for your body. Without enough iron, you're likely to feel fatigued and weak. Chronic low iron is called anemia, and the condition can negatively impact how much oxygen you absorb.
18. Zinc
An 8-ounce serving of hibiscus tea supplies 0.28 milligrams of zinc, which is about 4 percent of the 8 milligrams you should have as part of your daily diet. Zinc helps you heal from wounds and promotes a strong immune system. The mineral helps your blood clot and ensures that your reproductive system functions properly. You also need zinc so that you're able to smell, taste and see and so that your thyroid functions normally. A zinc deficiency isn't likely, but when it occurs, it can cause skin changes, poor wound healing, night blindness and hair loss.
19. Phosphorus
Hibiscus tea supplies 7 milligrams of phosphorus per 8-ounce serving. That's 1 percent of the 700 milligrams you need on a daily basis. Phosphorus is primarily present in your bones and teeth and plays an important role in keeping them strong and healthy. The mineral also helps your body turn fats, carbohydrates and proteins into useable energy. You also need plenty of phosphorus to help your nerves, heart and kidneys work properly. Because phosphorus is present in so many foods, a deficiency is rare.
Side effects Although Hibiscus may have very few reported side effects, a healthcare professional should be consulted before it is taken. Anyone considering using hisbiscus is advised to discuss it with a doctor first. There have been very few side effects reported. People should always read the label on the extract and follow dosage instructions.
Risks Some of the medications to be particularly aware of are: High daily dosages, hibiscus may interact with various medications, including:
Acetaminophen
Diclofenac
Hydrochlorothiazide
Any medications that might be broken down by the liver: Hibiscus extract may decrease how quickly this happens, which could lead to various side effects or complications.
Diabetes medications: Diabetes medications are used to lower blood sugar, which hibiscus also does effectively. It is vital to ensure blood sugar levels do not get too low.
High blood pressure medication: Hibscus has shown to be effective at lowering blood pressure. Taking Hibiscus alongside other drugs that lower blood pressure may result in it becoming too low.
Can it aid weight loss?
Evidence has shown that Hibiscus extract can be effective in reducing and controlling weight gain. Its high in Antioxidants which are important to promote weight loss as they prevent free radical-induced tissue damage by preventing the formation of radicals, scavenging them, or by promoting their decomposition. with smooth and efficient digestion and can assist the body when converting food into energy, as opposed to storing it as fat.
Hibiscus is thought to:
Reduce weight gain
Help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure
Prevent inflammation
Help the body convert fats into energy
Reduce fatigue and improve energy levels
Research
Antioxidant and drug detoxification potentials of Hibiscus sabdariffa anthocyanin extract
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21314460/
Antioxidant and DNA damage protective properties of anthocyanin-rich extracts from Hibiscus and Ocimum: a comparative study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24730725/
Chemopreventive properties and molecular mechanisms of the bioactive compounds in Hibiscus
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21291361/
Hibiscus anthocyanins rich extract-induced apoptotic cell death in human promyelocytic leukemia cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15922006/
Anti-Multiple Myeloma Potential of Secondary Metabolites from Hibiscus sabdariffa
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31323932/
Hibiscus anthocyanins-rich extract inhibited LDL oxidation and oxLDL-mediated macrophages apoptosis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16473450/
There is plenty of recent research to back up the benefits as stated above, though many of the studies are still in the preliminary stages or the tests have only taken place on animals as opposed to humans, so there is plenty more to be done.
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@DivineAlkaline
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