[Therapeutic potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa: a review of the scientific evidence].
OBJECTIVE
Infusion of Hibiscus sabdariffa (H. sabdariffa) is a very popular drink in many parts of the world. Its phytochemical composition is associated to antioxidant, hypotensive, and antiatherosclerotic effects. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in these processes are not well known. The aim of this review was to report the scientific evidence supporting that regular use of H. sabdariffa decreases oxidative stress, atherosclerosis, lipid profile, and blood pressure.


METHODS
A search of recent publications was made in the following specialized electronic databases: Elsevier Journal, SciELO, FSTA, Science Direct, Springer Link, and NCBI. Results of research conducted in clinical trials in humans and in animal models and cell cultures were recorded. Keywords used included Hibiscus sabdariffa, oxidative stress, polyphenols, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and lipid profile.


RESULTS
Results of the different articles suggested a possible therapeutic effect of H. sabdariffa extracts on oxidative stress, lipid profile, hypertension, and atherosclerosis thanks to its composition rich in phenolic compounds. Anthocyanins significantly decrease LDL oxidation, inhibit adipogenesis by regulating adipogenic signaling pathways and transcription factors, and modulate gene expression of certain microRNAs. No adverse events or side effects were reported.


CONCLUSIONS
Further more homogeneous, placebo-controlled studies in humans are needed to state that H. sabdariffa has therapeutic efficacy in humans.
Estudis de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), Barcelona, España.
Soledad
S
Guardiola
Estudis de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), Barcelona, España; Institut National de Recherche Agronomique, Département de Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, Jouy-en-Josas, Francia. Electronic address: nuria.mach@jouy.inra.fr.
Núria
N
Mach
D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D031584:Hibiscus; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D050356:Lipid Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D010936:Plant Extracts
Aterosclerosis; Atherosclerosis; Estrés oxidativo; Hibiscus sabdariffa; Hipertensión; Hypertension; Lipid profile; Oxidative stress; Perfil lipídico; Polifenoles; Polyphenols