Investigation of Antihypertensive Effectiveness and Tolerability of Hibiscus Sabdariffa in Mild to Moderate Hypertensive Subjects in Enugu, South-east, Nigeria

Objective: Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) is widely consumed in Nigeria as a refreshing drink called ‘Zobo’. Most Nigerians drink ‘Zobo’ because of the belief that it has antihypertensive action. Several animal studies have demonstrated the antihypertensive effects of HS but there is paucity of information on clinical studies on antihypertensive activity of HS in black subjects. This study investigated the antihypertensive effectiveness and tolerability of HS in mild to moderate hypertensive subjects in Enugu, South East, Nigeria.
Method: Ninety-Five newly diagnosed but untreated mild to moderate hypertensive subjects attending Medical out-Patients (MOP) unit of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu were recruited for the study. They were randomly divided into two groups: A and B. Those in group A were given HS (150mg/kg) once daily while those in group B received twice daily. All infusions were administered orally daily for 4 weeks. Clinical evaluation and treatment adherence were monitored weekly. Sitting blood pressure was measured at baseline and weekly during treatment.
Result: At the end of 4 weeks, HS once daily decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 17.08±4.25mmHg (-11.38%) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by 11.13±3.92mmHg (-12.13% ) whereas HS twice daily caused 10.56±3.39mmHg (- 6.9%) and 7.36±2.54mmHg (-7.4%) decrease in SBP and DBP respectively. No side effect was reported during treatment in both groups.
Conclusion: The result of the present study suggests that low dose of HS was more effective in reducing blood pressure than high dose and that both doses were tolerated in mild to moderate hypertensive Nigerian subjects.

Author(s): Nwachukwu DC, Aneke E, Obika LFO and Nwachukwu NZ

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