Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. Tea (Tisane) Reduces Blood Pressure in Pre-and Mildly Hypertensive Patients

by | Jan 5, 2017 | 2010, Blood Pressure, Botanicals

Written by James C. Morton Jr., Staff Writer. In a randomized placebo-controlled, double-blinded, clinical trial research study, Hibiscus Sabdariffa significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (5.5%) and diastolic blood pressure (4.0%) compared to the baseline and placebo groups.  

hibiscusHypertension is one of the most common causes of cardiovascular disease, in addition to renal failure and atherosclerosis. It is characterized by the arterial blood pressure reaching over 120 mmHg for systolic and 80 mmHg for diastolic measures. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in the arteries 1. In the United States, it’s estimated about 80 million Americans (1 in 3 adults) have high blood pressure, and in 2014 it was the leading contributor to the cause of death for 410,000 people 2. Deaths from diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and atherosclerosis are directly associated with hypertension. It is medically known as the “silent killer” because 20% of the population don’t know that they have hypertension. The latest statistics for hypertension health care cost is $48.6 billion per year 3.

The most popular treatment approach for hypertensive patients is the use of prescription medication. These chemical medications block or inhibit biological pathways that cause vascular constriction, while other medications cause blood vessels to dilate, which decreases arterial blood pressure 4. Unfortunately, patients may have to be treated on medication for many years 5.

Fortunately, a 2009 study (6) reveals that Hibiscus sabdariffa L. tea reduces hypertensive symptoms. The study involved 65 patients (37 men, and 28 women) aged 30 to 70 with pre-and mildly hypertension (systolic > 120 to 150 mm Hg, diastolic > 80 to 95 mm Hg). They were given either 720 milligrams a day of Hibiscus sabdariffa or a placebo for 6 weeks. Before and after the study, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured to minimize bias 6,7.

After 6 weeks, the researchers noted the following results for Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), and Means (average) Arterial Pressure (MAP). p-value 0.05 = significant.

Hibiscus TeaPlacebo
SBP, mm Hg5.5% Decrease (from 129.4 to 122.3)
p = 0.001, Significant
.92% Decrease (from 129.8 to 128.6)
p = 0.30, Not Significant
DBP, mm Hg4.0% Decrease (from 78.9 to 75.8)
p = 0.002, Significant
.75% Decrease (from 79.6 to 79.0)
p = 0.40, Not Significant
MAP, mm Hg4.7 % Decrease (from 95.7 to 91.3)
p = 0.002, Significant
.85% Decrease (from 96.3 to 95.5)
p = 0.30, Not Significant

In addition, the researchers noted that the blood pressure measurements were taken prior to the participants having breakfast to establish a 12-hour fasting to determine the effects of drinking hibiscus tea.

When suggesting how Hibiscus sabdariffa benefits those with hypertension, the researchers pointed to H. sabdariffa’s strong ability to absorb oxygen radicals 8,9, the capacity of its antioxidant flavonoids to decrease the risk of heart disease 10,11, and its anthocyanin and polyphenols levels that increase nitric oxide production to relax the blood vessels and help prevent plaque build-up in the arteries 12. The researchers noted that other studies revealed how Hibiscus tea benefited patients with type-ll diabetes and hypertension, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Limitations of the study include its sample size and duration time, and the inability to analyze anthocyanin in the plasma and urine. H. sabdariffa should be evaluated in a larger population to fully validate how it can help manage and prevent hypertension.

Source:  Diane L. McKay, C-Y. Oliver Chen, Edward Saltzman, and Jeffrey B. Blumberg. Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. Tea (Tisane) Reduces Blood Pressure in Pre-and Mildly Hypertensive Patients. American Society for Nutrition 2010; doi:10.3945/jn.109.115097.

© American Society for Nutrition

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Posted January 5, 2017.

References:

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