Pharmaceutical Properties of Hibiscus sabdariffa, Toward an Ideal Treatment for Hypertension

Abstract

High blood pressure is the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease and should be controlled primarily by changes in lifestyle, such as regular exercise, a low-salt diet, and weight loss in overweight or obesity. If lifestyle changes are not enough, many types of medications can be used to control high blood pressure; however, side effects constitute one of the most critical limitations of conventional medicines associated with high blood pressure. For this reason, the use of traditional and herbal medicines has been welcomed by the public for many years. Hibiscus sabdariffa is one of the most suitable herbal medicines for hypertension. According to research results, it has the same effect as conventional medicines without serious side effects. The present study introduces sour tea as a suitable herbal medicine for high blood pressure to provide readers of this article with a comprehensive understanding of the medicinal properties of Hibiscus sabdariffa for the treatment of hypertension and its effects on several other common diseases, including cancer.