Abstract
Background
Hypertension is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Hibiscus is a cheap readily available preparation.
Aims
We aimed to assess the effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure, lipid profile, plasma sugar, and h-sensitive C-reactive protein.
Methods
This is a prospective cohort study conducted among 19 College staff members at the University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia during January 2020. The participants signed written informed consent, then responded to a questionnaire to report their demographic data. At baseline, the blood pressure was measured, anthropometric measures collected, and, and a blood sample was taken to measure fasting plasma sugar, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein. Participants thereafter took Hibiscus sabdariffa for four weeks, then the above measurements were repeated. The compliance of the participants was also assessed.
Results
No significant effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa consumption were observed on systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein, P-value < 0.05.
Conclusion
No significant effects were observed among Hibiscus sabdariffa users on blood pressure, plasma sugar, lipid profile, and C-reactive protein. Further larger multicenter studies are recommended.