Roselle

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), a plant native to Africa and prevalent in Asia and the West Indies, is renowned for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. Its flowers, used to brew a cranberry-like tea, are rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol. These bioactive compounds contribute to Roselle's potential health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure and aiding in diabetes management through modest carbohydrate absorption inhibition. The anthocyanins in its calyces, responsible for the tea's rich color, are thought to influence blood pressure regulation through ACE inhibition and improving endothelial function. Despite its health benefits, caution is advised due to Roselle's potential toxicity at higher doses, particularly concerning fertility and developmental effects in offspring as observed in animal studies. While its appetite-suppressing effects are noted in animals, similar impacts in humans are yet unverified. Thus, Roselle offers promising therapeutic benefits, particularly in blood pressure reduction and possibly in diabetes management, but it should be consumed in moderation with adherence to recommended doses to avoid potential adverse effects. Further research is needed to fully understand its effects and safety in humans.