The effect of sour tea consumption (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on the lipid profile in dyslipidemic subjects

Dyslipidemia is the major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in world and herbal medicines play an important role in the treatment of dyslipidemia. There are a few studies of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) effects on human. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of sour tea consumption on the lipid profile in dyslipidemic subjects. A randomized control clinical trial study was conducted on 43 Polygenic dyslipidemia patients with no history of Cardiovascular, diabetes, kidney, hepatic, thyroid diseases that did not taking Lipid-lowering medicine selected in 2012 and divided randomly into two groups. Both groups received dietary and physical activity (lifestyle) advices. Experimental group received two glass sour tea in the morning and afternoon between meals, for 90 days instead of two glass black tea every day. Lipid profile was measured at baseline, day 45 and day 90 after 12-14 hours fasting. This study showed the mean cholesterol levels at baseline, day 45 and day 90 was significantly decreased till 9.46% in experimental group. The decrease in mean LDL-c and HDL-c levels, at baseline, day 45 and day 90 was significant till 8.33% and 9.80% respectively in experimental group. These findings suggest Hibiscus sabdariffa L. extract can be used in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The present study showed a decreasing trend in the mean HDL-c levels that difference between two groups statistically significant and no statistically significant difference in other lipids between two groups.