To Study the Effect of Sour Tea (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) on Lipid Profile in Hypertensive Patients

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia, resulting from cholesterol metabolic changes, is a major cause of cardiovascular disturbance, such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease [1,2].  It is assumed that the active dietary constituents contributing to these protective effects are antioxidant nutrients such as a--tocopherol, b-carotene, polyphenols and anthocyanins3,4,5,6. In a study it is discovered that Hibiscus sabdariffa extract (HSE) inhibited low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation in vitro and decreased serum cholesterol levels in cholesterol-fed rats7 and rabbits8. Therefore, dietary HSE may reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis through their antioxidant activity. Aim of present study was to see the effect of sour tea (hibiscus sabdariffa) on lipid profile in hypertensive subjects. Selected 100 patients were given hibiscus sabdariffa tea on daily basis for two months. In our study the mean value of HDL, LDL, VLDL, Triglyceride and TC was 42.84±4.07, 128.13±14.70, 26.92±4.92, 134.59±24.61 and 211.04±36.67 respectively in pretreatment group and 43.38±4.06, 128.73±11.87, 27.34±4.30, 136.72±21.52 and 177.09±18.50 respectively in post treatment group and p value of HDL, LDL, VLDL, Triglyceride and TC was statistically non-significant during pre and post treatment period (p=0.349, p=0.751, p=0.521, p=0.515 and p=0.230 respectively). Our study shows no significant therapeutic effect of HS extract on lipid profile of hypertensive subjects.  In folk medicine, the HS calyx extracts are used for the treatment of several complaints, including high blood pressure, liver diseases and fever.