Hibiscus for High Blood Pressure

A 2007 study showed that Hibiscus sabdariffa (standardized to 250 mg anthocyanins) significantly reduced blood pressure over 4 weeks in hypertensive patients. The effect was slightly less than lisinopril 10mg (12% vs 15% reduction). It is thought to work by similarly inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme and may have a diuretic effect. No adverse effects were seen but it may affect electrolytes and kidney function.

Herrera-Arellano A, Miranda-Sánchez J, Avila-Castro P, Herrera-Alvarez S, Jiménez-Ferrer JE, Zamilpa A, Román-Ramos R, Ponce-Monter H, Tortoriello J. Clinical effects produced by a standardized herbal medicinal product of Hibiscus sabdariffa on patients with hypertension. A randomized, double-blind, lisinopril-controlled clinical trial. Planta Med. 2007 Jan;73(1):6-12. doi: 10.1055/s-2006-957065. PMID: 17315307.

Herrera-Arellano A, Flores-Romero S, Chávez-Soto MA, Tortoriello J. Effectiveness and tolerability of a standardized extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa in patients with mild to moderate hypertension: a controlled and randomized clinical trial. Phytomedicine. 2004 Jul;11(5):375-82. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2004.04.001. PMID: 15330492.