Roselle - NutraPedia

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Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Health Information

1) Studied Conditions

Roselle has been studied for a variety of conditions, including:

High blood pressure (hypertension)
High blood lipid levels (hyperlipidemia)
Diabetes and related metabolic disorders
Liver diseases
Inflammatory conditions
Urinary tract infections
Weight management issues

2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions

Studies have shown mixed results for the efficacy of Roselle in treating various conditions:

Some clinical trials suggest that Roselle tea or extract may help lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.
It may also have beneficial effects on blood lipid profiles, although more research is needed.
For diabetes, Roselle has shown potential in lowering blood sugar levels, but again, further studies are required to confirm these findings.
There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of Roselle in treating liver diseases, inflammatory conditions, urinary tract infections, and for weight management.

3) Health Benefits

Roselle is associated with several health benefits, including:

Antioxidant properties due to its high vitamin C content and other compounds such as anthocyanins.
Diuretic effects which may aid in kidney health and reducing fluid retention.
Potential antimicrobial properties that may help in fighting certain infections.
May aid in digestion and promote gastrointestinal health.
Some studies suggest it has anti-cancer properties, but more research is needed.

4) Downsides

While Roselle is generally considered safe, there are some potential downsides to be aware of:

Excessive consumption can lead to an imbalance in electrolytes due to its diuretic effects.
People with low blood pressure should use it cautiously as it may lower blood pressure further.
It may interact with certain medications, such as hydrochlorothiazide or acetaminophen.
High doses might cause liver toxicity, although this is rare.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid high intakes of Roselle as there is not enough research on its safety in these populations.

5) Genetic Variations and Roselle

Currently, there is limited research on the relationship between genetic variations and the effects of Roselle. However, as with many herbal remedies, individual responses can vary due to genetic differences. People with certain genetic polymorphisms may metabolize compounds in Roselle differently, potentially affecting both the efficacy and safety of its use. More personalized research is necessary to understand these interactions fully.

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Research Summary

Studies on Hibiscus sabdariffa, commonly known as Roselle, have revealed its potential health benefits and possible risks. Here are summarized findings:

Antidiabetic Properties: Roselle calyces' aqueous extracts inhibited carbohydrate digestion enzymes, suggesting antidiabetic benefits. The red variety was more effective against α-glucosidase, while the white variety was better at inhibiting α-amylase, with the red variety also showing stronger antioxidant capabilities.
Antihypertensive Effects: Sour tea made from Roselle showed significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension. It supports previous findings that Roselle can lower high blood pressure, but further research is needed.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management: Roselle aqueous extract showed potential in slowing down CKD progression in a rat model by reducing renal damage markers and improving kidney pathology, likely due to its vasodilatory and antioxidant properties.
Comparison with Captopril: Roselle extract demonstrated similar effectiveness and tolerability in treating mild to moderate hypertension as captopril, a known antihypertensive drug, and showed a diuretic effect.
Renal Function Protection: Oral administration of Roselle extract preserved kidney function in rats by significantly lowering renal Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATPase activity, while not affecting other plasma and renal parameters.
Staining Agent: Roselle extract was identified as a potent basic dye for staining histological sections of rat testes, with staining effectiveness dependent on concentration and duration.
Reproductive Effects: High doses of Roselle calyx aqueous extract caused testicular damage and reduced sperm count in rats, suggesting potential negative implications for male fertility at excessive doses.
Nutritional and Medicinal Profiles: Roselle calyces were found to have nutritional content, notably vitamin C, and exhibited antioxidant, antibacterial, antihypertensive, and lipid-lowering properties. The plant showed low toxicity in rat studies.
Type 2 Diabetes Management: Roselle polyphenolic extract reduced blood sugar levels, improved lipid profiles, and provided antioxidant effects, indicating potential as a supportive treatment for diabetes management.
Inflammatory and Chronic Diseases: Roselle extract modulated inflammatory responses and protected blood cells from oxidative damage, indicating potential as a herbal medicine for treating chronic and inflammatory diseases.
Diuretic Properties: Roselle calyces demonstrated diuretic and natriuretic effects, supporting their traditional use in managing hypertension and renal conditions.

Overall, the research suggests that Roselle has a range of health-promoting properties, especially in managing blood pressure and diabetes, with some potential risks that warrant further investigation.

References:

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