HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA

Non-communicable diseases such as glaucoma, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus present growing health and economic challenges, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the individual and combined effects of Sorghum bicolor and Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf extracts on intraocular pressure (IOP), blood pressure (BP), and blood glucose (BG) levels in adults. The increasing prevalence of these metabolic and ocular disorders highlights the need for safer, affordable, and accessible interventions, particularly in resource-limited settings. A prospective cross-sectional experimental study was conducted among 182 normotensive adults aged 25–60 years at the University of Benin. Participants received standardized single oral doses of Sorghum bicolor, Hibiscus sabdariffa, and their combination on separate days. Baseline and fourhour post-administration measurements of IOP, BP, and BG were obtained and analyzed using paired t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results showed that both Sorghum bicolor and Hibiscus sabdariffa significantly reduced IOP and BG levels (p < 0.05) but had no significant effect on systolic or diastolic BP after acute administration. The combined extract produced a modest additional reduction in diastolic BP and IOP, though no synergistic effect was observed for BG lowering compared to individual extracts. These findings provide scientific support for the ethnomedical use of these botanicals in promoting ocular and metabolic health. However, their antihypertensive benefits may require prolonged administration or may be more pronounced in hypertensive individuals. The study concludes that Sorghum bicolor and Hibiscus sabdariffa are safe, culturally acceptable, and potentially beneficial adjuncts for improving glycemic control and reducing glaucoma risk in resource-limited populations. Further research should explore chronic effects, optimal dosing, mechanisms of action, and their possible integration into public health strategies.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of graded doses of Hibiscus Sabdariffa aqueous extract on intraocular pressure (IOP) and blood pressure (BP) in normotensive individuals. A total of 40 university students (22 males, 18 females) aged 18-29 years (mean age: 24.3 ± 3.20 years) participated in this study. The participants were divided into four groups: three experimental groups (A, B, C) and a control group (D), each consisting of 10 normotensive subjects. Baseline IOP and BP measurements were obtained using an iCare TA01i Tonometer and a HEM-7124 blood pressure monitor, respectively. The experimental groups received graded doses of Hibiscus Sabdariffa aqueous extract, and IOP and BP measurements were taken at 30-, 60-, 90-, and 120-minutes post-ingestion. The results showed a significant decrease in IOP in the left eye, with a statistically significant effect observed (p < 0.05), and the most substantial reduction occurred at 120 minutes post-ingestion. Additionally, the effect of Hibiscus Sabdariffa on BP was found to be dose-dependent, with a statistically significant effect observed (p < 0.05). This study recommends that potential integration of Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf aqueous extract as a complementary therapy in the management of certain ocular conditions warrants further consideration. However, additional research is needed to fully elucidate its therapeutic potential and safety profile Keywords: Hibiscus Sabdariffa, Intraocular pressure, Blood pressure and Normotensives.

The rising prevalence of multidrug-resistant uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) highlights the urgent need for alternative antimicrobial agents. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and time-kill kinetics of ethanol and aqueous extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces against multidrug resistant UPEC isolates before and after plasmid curing. Antibacterial activity was determined using agar well diffusion, MIC and MBC by broth dilution, and time-kill assays by plate count method. The ethanol extract consistently showed stronger antibacterial activity than the aqueous extract, with lower MIC and MBC values and faster bacterial elimination in time-kill assays. Plasmid curing enhanced the susceptibility of UPEC to both extracts. Conclusively, Hibiscus sabdariffa, particularly the ethanol extract, demonstrated promising antibacterial potential against MDR UPEC, warranting further studies on dosage, and safety.