Rosella Hibiscus Sabdariffa Tea Lowering High Cholesterol
Rosella tea is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and fiber. Thus, it is
believed to be able to reduce the ‘bad’ cholesterol level and to improve our
skin health.
believed to be able to reduce the ‘bad’ cholesterol level and to improve our
skin health.
For many years Hibiscus Tea has been drunk for a wide variety of health
benefits and it is thought to contribute to lowering high cholesterol, aid
weight loss, strengthen the immune system and help to prevent constipation.
benefits and it is thought to contribute to lowering high cholesterol, aid
weight loss, strengthen the immune system and help to prevent constipation.
According to a study
performed by Shan Medical University’s Institute of Biochemistry in Taiwan,
extract from the hibiscus flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa) lowers both LDL
cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. These results were published
in a recent issue of the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. Dr.
Chau-Jong Wang and his colleagues suspect that the high antioxidant content
contained in the hibiscus extract contributes to the lowered LDL levels noted
in the experiment.
performed by Shan Medical University’s Institute of Biochemistry in Taiwan,
extract from the hibiscus flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa) lowers both LDL
cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. These results were published
in a recent issue of the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. Dr.
Chau-Jong Wang and his colleagues suspect that the high antioxidant content
contained in the hibiscus extract contributes to the lowered LDL levels noted
in the experiment.
Does the news that
hibiscus flower extract actually has some therapeutic value surprise
scientists? Not really. Hibiscus flower extract has been used in many folk
remedies for liver disorders and high blood pressure. However, this is the
first piece of research that establishes the healthy benefits of consuming
hibiscus flower extract.
hibiscus flower extract actually has some therapeutic value surprise
scientists? Not really. Hibiscus flower extract has been used in many folk
remedies for liver disorders and high blood pressure. However, this is the
first piece of research that establishes the healthy benefits of consuming
hibiscus flower extract.
Hibiscus sabdariffa L,
which is grown in China, India and Taiwan is used as a traditional remedy to
treat high blood pressure and liver disorders.
which is grown in China, India and Taiwan is used as a traditional remedy to
treat high blood pressure and liver disorders.
The researchers found it
contains antioxidants that are known to reduce the dangerous build up of fats
inside the arteries.
contains antioxidants that are known to reduce the dangerous build up of fats
inside the arteries.
They carried out a study
looking at the effects of hibiscus extract on low density lipoprotein, LDL or
“bad” cholesterol in rats.
looking at the effects of hibiscus extract on low density lipoprotein, LDL or
“bad” cholesterol in rats.
They found the hibiscus
extract significantly reduced the build up of fatty deposits in arteries and
blood cholesterol levels.
extract significantly reduced the build up of fatty deposits in arteries and
blood cholesterol levels.
Dr Chau-Jong Wang, who
led the research, said: “Experiments have shown that compounds extracted from
red wine and tea reduce cholesterol and lipid build-up in the arteries of rats.
led the research, said: “Experiments have shown that compounds extracted from
red wine and tea reduce cholesterol and lipid build-up in the arteries of rats.
“This is the first study
to show that Hibiscus extract has the same effect.”
to show that Hibiscus extract has the same effect.”
He said the data
strongly suggest that it could be useful in the prevention and even treatment
of a number of cardiovascular diseases in which cholesterol plays a major role.
strongly suggest that it could be useful in the prevention and even treatment
of a number of cardiovascular diseases in which cholesterol plays a major role.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths,
spokesperson at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Previous research has
suggested that a variety of naturally occurring flavonoids – found in fruit,
red wine and tea – have potent antioxidant properties that reduce oxidation of
the harmful type of cholesterol, LDL.
spokesperson at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Previous research has
suggested that a variety of naturally occurring flavonoids – found in fruit,
red wine and tea – have potent antioxidant properties that reduce oxidation of
the harmful type of cholesterol, LDL.
“This research study
claims that hibiscus flowers are particularly efficient at reducing cholesterol
– we would be interested to see if long-term studies involving people produce
similar results.”
claims that hibiscus flowers are particularly efficient at reducing cholesterol
– we would be interested to see if long-term studies involving people produce
similar results.”
But she added: “It is
also important to stress that whatever the protective potential of hibiscus,
our advice remains the same: regular physical activity and eating a diet high
in fruit and vegetables and low in saturated fat are still the best ways to
protect your heart health.”
also important to stress that whatever the protective potential of hibiscus,
our advice remains the same: regular physical activity and eating a diet high
in fruit and vegetables and low in saturated fat are still the best ways to
protect your heart health.”
(Rosellatea.net)
Rosella Hibiscus Sabdariffa Tea May Cut Blood
Pressure
Study
Shows Drinking 3 Cups a Day Can Lower Hypertension
Shows Drinking 3 Cups a Day Can Lower Hypertension
If
you’re worried about your blood pressure, you may want to follow the British
custom of regularly “sipping a cuppa” — tea, that is.
you’re worried about your blood pressure, you may want to follow the British
custom of regularly “sipping a cuppa” — tea, that is.
In
a new study, drinking three cups of herbal tea containing hibiscus each day
lowered blood pressure.
a new study, drinking three cups of herbal tea containing hibiscus each day
lowered blood pressure.
“Most
of the commercial herbal tea blends in the United States contain hibiscus,”
says Diane L. McKay, PhD, of Tufts University in Boston. She tells WebMD that
people with the highest blood pressure at the start of the six-week study
benefited the most.
of the commercial herbal tea blends in the United States contain hibiscus,”
says Diane L. McKay, PhD, of Tufts University in Boston. She tells WebMD that
people with the highest blood pressure at the start of the six-week study
benefited the most.
McKay
presented the study of 65 healthy men and women with modestly elevated blood
pressure at the American Heart Association (AHA) meeting here.
presented the study of 65 healthy men and women with modestly elevated blood
pressure at the American Heart Association (AHA) meeting here.
Overall,
drinking hibiscus tea blends lowered systolic blood pressure — the top number
in the blood pressure reading — by an average of 7 points. That was
significantly more than the 1-point drop observed in people who were given a
placebo in the form of hibiscus-flavored water, McKay says.
drinking hibiscus tea blends lowered systolic blood pressure — the top number
in the blood pressure reading — by an average of 7 points. That was
significantly more than the 1-point drop observed in people who were given a
placebo in the form of hibiscus-flavored water, McKay says.
While
a 7-point drop in blood pressure might not seem like much, she says studies have
shown that “even small changes in blood pressure … when maintained over time …
will reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.”
a 7-point drop in blood pressure might not seem like much, she says studies have
shown that “even small changes in blood pressure … when maintained over time …
will reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.”
Past
AHA president Robert H. Eckel, MD, says that more study is needed to determine
whether herbal tea’s blood-pressure-lowering effect can actually be sustained
over the long haul.
AHA president Robert H. Eckel, MD, says that more study is needed to determine
whether herbal tea’s blood-pressure-lowering effect can actually be sustained
over the long haul.
The
degree of blood pressure lowering associated with tea drinking in the study was
as much as would be expected with standard blood pressure drugs, he says.
degree of blood pressure lowering associated with tea drinking in the study was
as much as would be expected with standard blood pressure drugs, he says.
(Rosellatea.net)
Using Zobo to Cure Hypertension
The
Roselle plant, which is the main ingredient in production of the zobo
drink, according to nutritionists, has been found to be very effective in the
management of hypertension because it has some anti-hypertensive properties
and, so, is recommended for consumption. (Yinka, 2013)
Roselle plant, which is the main ingredient in production of the zobo
drink, according to nutritionists, has been found to be very effective in the
management of hypertension because it has some anti-hypertensive properties
and, so, is recommended for consumption. (Yinka, 2013)
Using Zobo to Cure Diabetes
According to Chukwuma (2012) Commonly called zobo or roselle in Nigeria,
Hibiscus sabdariffa belongs to the plant family malvaceae.
Hibiscus sabdariffa belongs to the plant family malvaceae.
The study titled: “Toxicilogical effects of aqueous
extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa on the liver and kidney,” was published in Journal of College of Medicine.
extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa on the liver and kidney,” was published in Journal of College of Medicine.
The aim of the study is to show the effect of
graded doses of aqueous extract of HS on major excretory organs (liver and
kidney) of albino Wistar rats. This may be helpful in determining the safety or
otherwise of its consumption at different concentrations.
graded doses of aqueous extract of HS on major excretory organs (liver and
kidney) of albino Wistar rats. This may be helpful in determining the safety or
otherwise of its consumption at different concentrations.
The researchers wrote: “There were no significant
changes in the histology of the liver throughout the period of HS administration
in all the groups. However, there were significant histological changes in the
kidney, which were more pronounced at higher doses (80 and 160mg/kg). There was
shrinkage of glomerular tuft, increase in urinary pole, increase in size of
tubular lumen and tubular damage. These effects were more marked as the
duration of administration of the extract progressed with greatest effect
observed at 12th week.”
changes in the histology of the liver throughout the period of HS administration
in all the groups. However, there were significant histological changes in the
kidney, which were more pronounced at higher doses (80 and 160mg/kg). There was
shrinkage of glomerular tuft, increase in urinary pole, increase in size of
tubular lumen and tubular damage. These effects were more marked as the
duration of administration of the extract progressed with greatest effect
observed at 12th week.”
Another study found that Hibiscus sabdariffa might
help treat kidney stones via uricosuric activity. The study titled: “Uricosuric
effect of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) in normal and renal-stone former
subjects,” was published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
help treat kidney stones via uricosuric activity. The study titled: “Uricosuric
effect of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) in normal and renal-stone former
subjects,” was published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
Uricosuric agents are used to lower the uric acid
level in the blood and to prevent the formation of uric acid crystals in the
joints and kidneys. These drugs are often used to treat gout, a disease in
which uric acid crystals deposit in joints and cause
pain. By decreasing plasma uric acid levels, these drugs decrease the
deposition of crystals in joints, eventually decreasing inflammation and
thereby reducing the pain of gout.
level in the blood and to prevent the formation of uric acid crystals in the
joints and kidneys. These drugs are often used to treat gout, a disease in
which uric acid crystals deposit in joints and cause
pain. By decreasing plasma uric acid levels, these drugs decrease the
deposition of crystals in joints, eventually decreasing inflammation and
thereby reducing the pain of gout.
Researchers from Thailand conducted a study with
nine subjects with no history of kidney stones and nine with a history of
kidney stones. A cup of tea made from 1.5 grams of dry roselle was provided to
subjects twice daily (morning and evening) for 15 days.
nine subjects with no history of kidney stones and nine with a history of
kidney stones. A cup of tea made from 1.5 grams of dry roselle was provided to
subjects twice daily (morning and evening) for 15 days.
After taking the tea, both groups showed increases
in oxalate and citrate. In the non-kidney stone group, increases in uric acid
excretion and clearance were observed. In the patients
with kidney stones, both uric acid excretion and clearance were significantly
increased.
in oxalate and citrate. In the non-kidney stone group, increases in uric acid
excretion and clearance were observed. In the patients
with kidney stones, both uric acid excretion and clearance were significantly
increased.
The study authors concluded that roselle has a
uricosuric effect and they suggested that the chemical constituents exerting
this effect should be identified.
uricosuric effect and they suggested that the chemical constituents exerting
this effect should be identified.
Also, researchers have shown that aqueous (water)
extracts of HSE is capable of reducing lipid peroxidation, increasing catalase
and glutathione activities significantly in diabetic kidney, and decreasing the
plasma levels of triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein
(LDL) and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) value.
extracts of HSE is capable of reducing lipid peroxidation, increasing catalase
and glutathione activities significantly in diabetic kidney, and decreasing the
plasma levels of triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein
(LDL) and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) value.
Lipid peroxidation is a well-defined mechanism of
cellular damage in both animals and plants that occurs in vivo during aging and
in certain disease states.
cellular damage in both animals and plants that occurs in vivo during aging and
in certain disease states.
Catalase is an antioxidant enzyme found in living
organisms that changes hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide
is formed as a toxic waste product of metabolism. It must be quickly converted
into other, less dangerous, chemicals. To manage this problem, the enzyme catalase
is frequently used to rapidly catalyse the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide
into harmless oxygen and water.
organisms that changes hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide
is formed as a toxic waste product of metabolism. It must be quickly converted
into other, less dangerous, chemicals. To manage this problem, the enzyme catalase
is frequently used to rapidly catalyse the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide
into harmless oxygen and water.
Glutathione is an antioxidant compound found in
living animal and plant tissue. Glutathione is the major endogenous antioxidant
produced by the cell. Glutathione participates directly in the neutralization
of free radicals, reactive oxygen compounds, and maintains exogenous
antioxidants such as vitamins C and E in their reduced (active) forms. In
addition, through direct conjugation, glutathione plays a role in the
detoxification of many xenobiotics (foreign compounds) both organic and
inorganic. Glutathione is an essential component of the human immune response.
living animal and plant tissue. Glutathione is the major endogenous antioxidant
produced by the cell. Glutathione participates directly in the neutralization
of free radicals, reactive oxygen compounds, and maintains exogenous
antioxidants such as vitamins C and E in their reduced (active) forms. In
addition, through direct conjugation, glutathione plays a role in the
detoxification of many xenobiotics (foreign compounds) both organic and
inorganic. Glutathione is an essential component of the human immune response.
Triglycerides are a type of lipid found in blood.
When food is consumed, calories are released by the oxidation of food. The
calories, which the body does not exhaust, are converted into energy resources
called triglycerides which are stored in the fat cells of the body and are used
to supply energy when required. Under the action of certain hormones these
triglycerides are broken into simpler, absorbable forms of fatty acids to
liberate energy.
When food is consumed, calories are released by the oxidation of food. The
calories, which the body does not exhaust, are converted into energy resources
called triglycerides which are stored in the fat cells of the body and are used
to supply energy when required. Under the action of certain hormones these
triglycerides are broken into simpler, absorbable forms of fatty acids to
liberate energy.
LDL is “bad” cholesterol, while HDL is “good”
cholesterol.
cholesterol.
According to the study published in Evidence-Based
Complementary and Alternative Medicine, HSE, in
histological examination, improves hyperglycemia-caused osmotic diuresis in
renal proximal convoluted tubules (defined as hydropic change) in diabetic
rats.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine, HSE, in
histological examination, improves hyperglycemia-caused osmotic diuresis in
renal proximal convoluted tubules (defined as hydropic change) in diabetic
rats.
Hyperglycemia or Hyperglycæmia, or high blood
sugar, is a condition in which an excessive amount of glucose circulates in the
blood plasma.
sugar, is a condition in which an excessive amount of glucose circulates in the
blood plasma.
Osmotic diuresis is increased urination caused by
the presence of certain substances in the small tubes of the kidneys.
the presence of certain substances in the small tubes of the kidneys.
The proximal convoluted tubule is the most proximal
segment of the renal tubular portion of the nephron. It is responsible for the
reabsorption of glucose, amino acids, various ions and water.
segment of the renal tubular portion of the nephron. It is responsible for the
reabsorption of glucose, amino acids, various ions and water.
The study also reveals that up-regulation of
Akt/Bad/14-3-3? and NF-?B-mediated transcription might be involved.
Akt/Bad/14-3-3? and NF-?B-mediated transcription might be involved.
The researchers concluded: “In conclusion, our
results show that HSE possesses the potential effects to ameliorate diabetic
nephropathy via improving oxidative status and regulating Akt/Bad/14-3-3?
signaling.”
results show that HSE possesses the potential effects to ameliorate diabetic
nephropathy via improving oxidative status and regulating Akt/Bad/14-3-3?
signaling.”
The study is titled: “Aqueous extract from Hibiscus
sabdariffa linnaeus ameliorate diabetic nephropathy via regulating oxidative
status and Akt/Bad/14-3-3? in an experimental animal model.”
sabdariffa linnaeus ameliorate diabetic nephropathy via regulating oxidative
status and Akt/Bad/14-3-3? in an experimental animal model.”
Several studies point out that oxidative stress
maybe a major culprit in diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy is kidney
disease or damage that occurs in people with diabetes. HSE has been
demonstrated as having beneficial effects on anti-oxidation and lipid-lowering
in experimental studies.
maybe a major culprit in diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy is kidney
disease or damage that occurs in people with diabetes. HSE has been
demonstrated as having beneficial effects on anti-oxidation and lipid-lowering
in experimental studies.
This study investigated the effects of Hibiscus
sabdariffa L. on diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin induced type 1 diabetic
rats.
sabdariffa L. on diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin induced type 1 diabetic
rats.
Diabetic mellitus (DM) is a consequence of chronic
metabolic aberrations including hyperlipidemia. High glucose facilitating the
glycolysis and adenosine triphosphate generation would cause huge reactive
oxygen species (ROS) production. Under physiological circumstances, ROS involve
some signaling molecules and follow defense mechanisms such as phagocytosis,
neutrophil function and shear-stress induced vasorelaxation.
metabolic aberrations including hyperlipidemia. High glucose facilitating the
glycolysis and adenosine triphosphate generation would cause huge reactive
oxygen species (ROS) production. Under physiological circumstances, ROS involve
some signaling molecules and follow defense mechanisms such as phagocytosis,
neutrophil function and shear-stress induced vasorelaxation.
However, excessive oxidative stress could damage
proteins, lipids, and DNA and eliminate anti-oxidative enzymes or molecules.
Ujihara et al. observed that oxidized LDL level was significantly higher in
diabetic patients with macroalbuminuria. They suggested that oxidized-LDL might
play an important role in diabetic nephropathy.
proteins, lipids, and DNA and eliminate anti-oxidative enzymes or molecules.
Ujihara et al. observed that oxidized LDL level was significantly higher in
diabetic patients with macroalbuminuria. They suggested that oxidized-LDL might
play an important role in diabetic nephropathy.
Experimentally, the oxidative level of LDL can be
determined by detecting lipid peroxidation. Antioxidant defense mechanisms
include free radical scavengers and enzyme systems, such as superoxide
dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH) and catalase (CAT). Previous
studies showed that these anti-oxidative molecules were reduced in diabetes.
determined by detecting lipid peroxidation. Antioxidant defense mechanisms
include free radical scavengers and enzyme systems, such as superoxide
dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH) and catalase (CAT). Previous
studies showed that these anti-oxidative molecules were reduced in diabetes.
In addition to the devastating damage effect on
macromolecules, oxidative stress can be involved in cellular signal
transduction including Akt signaling pathway. Akt is a principal mediator of
biological functions of insulin in glucose metabolism. Phosphorylated Akt can
regulate apoptosis via activating Bad to associate with 14-3-3? protein and
also to activate nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-?B) to regulate transcription.
macromolecules, oxidative stress can be involved in cellular signal
transduction including Akt signaling pathway. Akt is a principal mediator of
biological functions of insulin in glucose metabolism. Phosphorylated Akt can
regulate apoptosis via activating Bad to associate with 14-3-3? protein and
also to activate nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-?B) to regulate transcription.
Recent studies showed the importance of
phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3-K) and Akt signaling pathway in diabetic
nephropathy including regulation of renal mesangial hypertrophy and renal
tubular cells proteolysis. It has been well known that hyperglycemia and
insulin could modulate Akt activity in diabetic renal tissue.
phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3-K) and Akt signaling pathway in diabetic
nephropathy including regulation of renal mesangial hypertrophy and renal
tubular cells proteolysis. It has been well known that hyperglycemia and
insulin could modulate Akt activity in diabetic renal tissue.
However, the
results are not compatible. Furthermore, the correlation between oxidative
stress and Akt signaling in diabetic renal tissues has not been well clarified.
results are not compatible. Furthermore, the correlation between oxidative
stress and Akt signaling in diabetic renal tissues has not been well clarified.
A wide variety of natural products have been found
to possess capacity to control metabolic problems and oxidative stress in
diabetes. Hibiscus sabdariffa Linnaeus is usually used as a beverage. The
constituents in the flowers of Hibiscus species are polyphenolic acids,
flavonoids, and anthocyanins.
to possess capacity to control metabolic problems and oxidative stress in
diabetes. Hibiscus sabdariffa Linnaeus is usually used as a beverage. The
constituents in the flowers of Hibiscus species are polyphenolic acids,
flavonoids, and anthocyanins.
