Background

Hibiscus sabdariffa is a plant considered safe in common food amounts. As a tea, it may be beneficial for high blood pressure.

The fruit acids in Hibiscus sabdariffa might work like a laxative. Other chemicals in Hibiscus sabdariffa might be able to lower blood pressure, reduce levels of sugar and fats in the blood, reduce swelling, and work like antibiotics.

People use Hibiscus sabdariffa for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Hibiscus sabdariffa is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used in medicinal amounts. Hibiscus sabdariffa tea has been used safely in amounts of up to 720 mL daily for up to 6 weeks. Side effects are uncommon but might include stomach upset, gas, and constipation.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy: Hibiscus sabdariffa is possibly unsafe to use during pregnancy. It might stimulate a menstrual cycle or have effects that might terminate pregnancy. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Breast-feeding: Hibiscus sabdariffa is possibly unsafe to use while breast-feeding. It might have effects that can be harmful to the infant. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Hibiscus sabdariffa is possibly safe when used at a dose of 2 grams by mouth three times daily for up to 4 weeks in adolescents 12-18 years of age. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if it is safe for children under 12 years old.

Surgery: Hibiscus sabdariffa might affect blood sugar levels, making blood sugar control difficult during and after surgery. Stop using Hibiscus sabdariffa at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

Hibiscus sabdariffa has most often been used by adults as a powder, extract, or tea for 4-12 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose or product might be best for a specific condition.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Drinking a Hibiscus sabdariffa beverage before taking acetaminophen might increase how fast the body gets rid of acetaminophen. But more information is needed to know if this is a big concern.

Chloroquine (Aralen)

Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.

Hibiscus sabdariffa tea might reduce the amount of chloroquine that the body can absorb and use. Taking Hibiscus sabdariffa tea along with chloroquine might reduce the effects of chloroquine. People taking chloroquine for the treatment or prevention of malaria should avoid Hibiscus sabdariffa products.

Diclofenac (Voltaren, others)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Taking Hibiscus sabdariffa while taking diclofenac might alter levels of diclofenac in the body. This might change the effects and side effects of diclofenac.

Losartan (Cozaar)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Taking Hibiscus sabdariffa with losartan might increase the levels of losartan in the body. This might increase the effects and side effects of losartan.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Hibiscus sabdariffa might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Hibiscus sabdariffa might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Hibiscus sabdariffa might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Hibiscus sabdariffa might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Hibiscus sabdariffa might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Hibiscus sabdariffa might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Hibiscus sabdariffa might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Hibiscus sabdariffa might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Hibiscus sabdariffa might lower blood sugar levels. Taking Hibiscus sabdariffa along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. Hibiscus sabdariffa might increase blood sugar levels. Taking Hibiscus sabdariffa along with diabetes medications might reduce the effects of these medications. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Hibiscus sabdariffa might lower blood pressure. Taking Hibiscus sabdariffa along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

Simvastatin (Zocor)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Hibiscus sabdariffa might increase how quickly the body gets rid of simvastatin. Taking Hibiscus sabdariffa with simvastatin might decrease the effects of simvastatin.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure: Hibiscus sabdariffa might lower blood pressure. Taking it with other supplements that have the same effect might cause blood pressure to drop too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include andrographis, casein peptides, L-arginine, niacin, and stinging nettle.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Hibiscus sabdariffa might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.