Hibiscus and Reduced Low-Density Lipoprotein Level

Research synthesisModerate evidenceSmall effect3 studies · 3 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial small-sized effects on reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. The evidence includes two meta-analyses covering clinical populations (e.g., metabolic syndrome), with effects observed at a median duration of 28 days. No specific dose range was identified.

Studied populations: clinical populations with metabolic syndrome and related disorders

Caveats: Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive, but the evidence base is small (only 3 studies) and subject to publication bias — conclusions should be considered preliminary.

Generated Jul 18, 2026

Time to effect

Median: 4 weeks · IQR 4 weeks–4 weeks · Range 4 weeks–4 weeks — Reported in 1 of 3 studies

Safety in these studies

electrolyte_abnormalitiesNo significant difference
however in most cases the extract did not significantly influence electrolyte levels.
from: Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in the treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia: a comprehensiv
Overall tolerabilityReported
Meanwhile, there were no serious adverse reactions reported in the included studies.
from: Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) supplementation in regulating blood lipids among p
Overall tolerabilityReported
HS decoctions and infusions of calyxes, and on occasion leaves, are used in at least 10 countries worldwide in the treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia with no reported adverse events or side effects.
from: Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in the treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia: a comprehensiv
hepatic_effectsReported
except for possible adverse hepatic effects at high doses.
from: Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in the treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia: a comprehensiv

3 of 3 papersPopulation:

Efficacy and safety of Hibiscus sabdariffa in cardiometabolic health: An overview of reviews and updated dose-response meta-analysis.
- 2025-05
- Meta-Analysis · n = 1,797
- Complementary therapies in medicine 89
- - Mostafa Norouzzadeh
  - Minoo Hasan Rashedi
  - Mohammad Hesam Azizi
  - Farshad Teymoori
  - Zohreh Maghsoomi
  - Farzad Shidfar
- PubMed: 39870328
- DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103135
6 Insights on
- Reduced Low-Density Lipoprotein Level
- High evidence
- Clinical
HS also reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C, fasting blood glucose, and increased HDL-C.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Significant
Yes
Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) supplementation in regulating blood lipids among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- 2019-12-12
- Meta-Analysis · n = 503
- Phytotherapy research : PTR 34(5)
- - Boxun Zhang
  - Rensong Yue
  - Ying Wang
  - Lizhen Wang
  - Jiawei Chin
  - Xiaoying Huang
  - Yayi Jiang
- PubMed: 31833112
- DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6592
3 Insights on
- Reduced Low-Density Lipoprotein Level
- High evidence
- Clinical
low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD = -9.46; 95% CI [-14.93, -3.99]; p = .001; I² = 50.1%)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Significant
Yes
Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in the treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia: a comprehensive review of animal and human studies.
- 2013-03
- Review
- Fitoterapia 85
- - Allison L Hopkins
  - Marnie G Lamm
  - Janet L Funk
  - Cheryl Ritenbaugh
- PubMed: 23333908
- DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2013.01.003
6 Insights on
- Reduced Low-Density Lipoprotein Level
- Moderate evidence
- Highly Cited
Over half of the RCTs showed that daily consumption of HS tea or extracts had favorable influence on lipid profiles including reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, as well as increased HDL-C.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Significant
Yes

Hibiscus and Reduced Low-Density Lipoprotein Level

Efficacy and safety of Hibiscus sabdariffa in cardiometabolic health: An overview of reviews and updated dose-response meta-analysis.

Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) supplementation in regulating blood lipids among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in the treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia: a comprehensive review of animal and human studies.