Karkada

Related Terms

Ambary plant (Hibiscus cannabinus), burao (Hibiscus tiliaceus), chemparathampoo, erragogu, esculetin, gogu (Hibiscus cannabinus), Hibiscus protocatechuic acid (PCA), Hibiscus mutabilis, Hibiscus rosasinensis, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Hibiscus syriacus, Hibiscus taiwanensis, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Jamaican red sorrel, Karkadi, karkada, karkade (Arabic), kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), Malvaceae (family), red sorrel (English), roselle (English), sour tea, tellagogu, zobo drink.
Combination product examples: Anna Pavala Sindhooram [green vitriol (annabedi or ferrous sulfate), coral reef (Corallium rubrum or pavalam), leaves of Acalypha indica (kuppaimeni), Lippia nodiflora (poduthalai), Vinca rosea (nityakalyani), Lawsonia alba (maruthondri), and Cynodon dactylon (arugampul), Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flowers (chemparathampoo), and the ripe fruits of Phyllanthus emblica (nellikkai)].
Note: This bottom line does not include okra (Abelmoschus esculentus, formerly classified as Hibiscus esculentus) or Norfolk Island hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonii).

Background

Several species of hibiscus have been used for medical purposes. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis has been used in ancient Indian medicine, Hibiscus sabdariffa has been used as a folk medicine in Canada for high blood pressure, and Hibiscus cannabinus has been studied for head lice, although more evidence is needed.
Hibiscus sabdariffa and the compounds that it contains are likely to be studied more in the future. There is limited safety data on hibiscus, although it is popularly used as a tea. Research reports that it is well-tolerated when taken by mouth.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Extracts of hibiscus have been found to lower blood pressure. More high-quality studies are needed to confirm these results, although the use of hibiscus for lowering blood pressure looks promising.

 B


Extracts of hibiscus have been found to lower blood pressure. More high-quality studies are needed to confirm these results, although the use of hibiscus for lowering blood pressure looks promising.

 B


Early research suggests that Hibiscus sabdariffa extract may have antioxidant benefits. However, higher quality studies are needed before firm conclusions may be made.

 C


Early research suggests that Hibiscus sabdariffa extract may have antioxidant benefits. However, higher quality studies are needed before firm conclusions may be made.

 C


The effects of hibiscus on cholesterol levels have been mixed. More high-quality research is needed before a conclusion may be made.

 C


The effects of hibiscus on cholesterol levels have been mixed. More high-quality research is needed before a conclusion may be made.

 C


A combination therapy containing hibiscus has been used for lice. However, the effects of hibiscus alone are unclear. Further study is needed.

 C


A combination therapy containing hibiscus has been used for lice. However, the effects of hibiscus alone are unclear. Further study is needed.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
As an antioxidant, 10 grams of powdered H. sabdariffa L. extract (HSE) dissolved in 200 milliliters of tap water has been taken by mouth as a single dose immediately before drinking.
For high cholesterol, 100 milligrams of H. sabdariffa extract or extract powder has been taken by mouth daily for 4-12 weeks. Two capsules of 500 milligrams Hibiscus sabdariffa extract each has been taken by mouth daily for 90 days. Sour tea sachets, each containing 2 grams of Hibiscus sabdariffa, have been used twice daily for one month.
For high blood pressure, 10 grams of dry calyx from Hibiscus sabdariffa infused with 0.5 liters of water has been taken by mouth daily before breakfast for four weeks. A dose of 150 grams of sour tea has been taken by mouth at least one hour before measuring blood pressure for 12 days. A dose of 240 milliliters of tea containing 1.25-2 grams of H. sabdariffa (steeped over 6-30 minutes in boiling water) has been taken by mouth 1-3 times daily for 4-6 weeks. Tea prepared with hibiscus powder containing 250 milligrams of anthocyanins (a compound found in hibiscus) has been taken by mouth daily for four weeks. Two spoonfuls of blended hibiscus tea has been added to one glass of boiled water (steeped for 20-30 minutes) and taken by mouth once daily for 15 days.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Hibiscus may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Hibiscus may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Hibiscus may also interact with agents for cancer, agents for the ears, agents for the heart, agents for the immune system, agents for the kidneys, agents for malaria, agents for the nervous system, agents for the stomach and intestines, agents for the urinary tract, agents that increase sun sensitivity, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, antiviral agents, chloroquine, cholesterol-lowering agents, fertility agents, hormonal agents, and hydrochlorothiazide.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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