Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on serum lipids: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance Prevention of cardiovascular disease by modifying its major risk factors, including serum cholesterol levels, is an important strategy. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. has been promoted for reducing cholesterol levels, but its reported impact on cholesterol levels has been inconsistent. The study aimed to assess systematically the evidence and quality of current research on the effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on blood lipids and its adverse effects.Materials and methods Electronic databases were searched up to June 2013 for relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Journals and conference proceedings were also searched. The quality of the selected trials was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. The efficacy results of similar studies were pooled if they used the same comparator. Outcomes examined were levels of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides.Results Six studies involving 474 subjects met our inclusion criteria. These studies varied in terms of the types of interventions, comparators used, and duration of trials. Overall, Hibiscus sabdariffa L. did not produce any significant effect on any of the outcomes examined, when compared with placebo, black tea or diet. With short-term use it is well tolerated.Conclusions The available evidence from RCTs does not support the efficacy of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in lowering serum lipids. Further rigorously designed trials with larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm the effects of HS on serum lipids.
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In meta-analyses of trials, green tea, black tea, and herbal roselle tea each modestly lower BP; green and black tea, but not herbal roselle tea, also lower LDL-cholesterol.
“However, in meta-analyses of trials, green tea, black tea, and herbal roselle tea each modestly lower BP;279-281 while green and black tea, but not herbal roselle tea, also lower LDL-cholesterol.282-284”
From Dietary and Policy Priorities for Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, and Obesity: A Comprehensive Review (2016) · cites this paper as [282]
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- Authors
- Aziz, Z., Wong, S. Y., & Chong, N. J.
- Affiliations
- University of Malaya (MY)
- Corresponding author
- Aziz, Zoriah
- Venue
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2013-11
- Volume
- 150
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 442-450
- ISSN
- 0378-8741 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2048285325
- Cited by
- 44
- References
- 51
- Citations by year
- 2025: 2 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 8 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 2
- FWCI
- 0.65
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Biotechnology and Bioproduct Research Cluster, University of Malaya (RG074/12BIO)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics › Pharmacology › Hibiscus Plant Research Studies
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Natural Products and Biological Research
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Agricultural Practices and Plant Genetics
- Keywords
- Hibiscus sabdariffa, serum lipids, cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, cardiovascular disease prevention, herbal medicine, adverse effects, tolerability
- MeSH terms
- Animals, Humans, Hyperlipidemias, Lipids, Phytotherapy, Plant Preparations, Hibiscus
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