Effect of Sour Tea (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) on Blood Pressure Among Patients with Hypertension

Abstract

Background Hibiscus sabdariffa is a red succulent flower petal that contains many plant acids and is rumored for its ability to lower blood pressure; around 1.28 billion adults have hypertension. it also affects the lives of adults between 20 to 40 years of age  Objective: The current study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) in lowering blood pressure among Iraqi patients with hypertension Patients and methods A randomized, controlled clinical trial to study the effects of hibiscus tea consumption on BP among stage 1 or 2 hypertensive adults was conducted for a period of 6 months in Al-Rusafa health directorate. Patients are given 2 grams of Hibiscus sabdariffa dried herbs to use in 200 ml water that had to be boiled and left to cool off. All participants were given a leaflet of instructions on how to prepare the herbal tea. Compliance was ensured by asking each participant to record their tea intake daily using a small -note paper, patients were also called through the phone and followed up weekly. Chi-square test and Independent Student’s t-test were applied to explore the significance of the difference between the interventional (study) group and the control group. Paired t-tests illustrated the significant difference between baseline and end of the study for systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements. A P-value less or equal to 0.05 was considered significant. Results A total of 70 participants were enrolled in this study. Baseline SBP and DPB did not differ significantly (p-value =0.640) and (p value=1.000) respectively. At the end of the study, a significant difference in SBP and DBP (p-value 0.006) and (p value=0.007) respectively was seen indicating a successful intervention. There was a significant reduction in SBP in both groups (P < 0.001), and the mean reduction in SBP was significantly higher in the intervention group (‑6.58 mmHg) compared to the control group (-1.71 mmHg) (P = 0.008). There was a significant reduction in DBP in both groups (P < 0.001), and the mean reduction in DBP was significantly higher in the intervention group (-5.00 mmHg) compared to the control group (-1.72 mmHg) (P = 0.005) Conclusions The study successfully showed a reduction in SBP and DBP. Hibiscus sabdariffa can lower blood pressure effectively.