Hypertension remains one of the world’s leading health problems, significantly increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and vascular complications. In many cases, hypertension is accompanied by comorbid conditions such as dyslipidemia, a disorder involving unhealthy cholesterol levels that can worsen cardiovascular outcomes. Because of its antioxidant-rich composition, rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa) has gained popularity as a natural remedy believed to help regulate blood pressure and lipid metabolism.
However, scientific evidence surrounding rosella has remained inconsistent. Some studies have suggested beneficial effects on blood pressure and cholesterol, while others reported limited or statistically insignificant outcomes. Seeking a clearer answer, researchers from Universitas Kristen Indonesia conducted a large-scale evidence review to evaluate rosella tea’s actual clinical value.
The study analyzed 10 clinical trials published between 2015 and 2025. The research team systematically collected studies from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate, following internationally recognized PRISMA guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4, allowing researchers to combine and compare findings from multiple studies.
Unlike individual clinical studies, a meta-analysis provides a broader perspective by pooling data from different populations and research settings. This method helps determine whether an intervention consistently delivers measurable health benefits.
The results showed that rosella tea did not produce statistically significant improvements in blood pressure or lipid profiles among hypertensive patients with comorbidities.
The study reported several key findings:
- Systolic blood pressure (upper number) decreased by an average of 7.75 mmHg, but the reduction was not statistically significant.
- Diastolic blood pressure (lower number) declined by approximately 2.28 mmHg, also not statistically significant.
- LDL cholesterol (often called “bad cholesterol”) showed almost no measurable improvement.
- HDL cholesterol (“good cholesterol”) likewise did not significantly increase.
Although the overall findings were nonsignificant, the researchers discovered a more nuanced picture through sensitivity analysis, a process that evaluates how results change when certain studies are excluded. Some quasi-experimental studies suggested rosella might reduce systolic blood pressure more substantially. Yet those findings were accompanied by extremely high variability across studies, limiting confidence in the overall conclusion.
The researchers noted that rosella contains anthocyanins, polyphenols, and organic acids, compounds believed to influence cardiovascular function. These substances are thought to promote blood vessel relaxation, act similarly to natural ACE inhibitors, and potentially affect cholesterol metabolism. Nevertheless, biological potential does not automatically translate into reliable clinical outcomes.
According to Hertina Silaban and colleagues from Universitas Kristen Indonesia, rosella tea may still have value as a complementary therapy, but current evidence does not support using it as a replacement for standard antihypertensive or cholesterol-lowering medications.
The study also highlighted concerns regarding research quality. Several included trials showed moderate to high risk of bias, while differences in rosella dosage, intervention duration, and participant characteristics contributed to considerable variation between studies. Such inconsistency makes it difficult to establish standardized clinical recommendations.
Interestingly, some analyses suggested that rosella may influence blood pressure more strongly than cholesterol metabolism. Certain pre–post intervention studies indicated significant reductions in systolic blood pressure following rosella consumption. However, the very high heterogeneity among these studies means the results should be interpreted cautiously.
The researchers emphasized the need for large-scale, double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using standardized rosella preparations and dosages. More rigorous studies are needed to determine whether rosella’s potential cardiovascular benefits can be reproduced consistently across diverse patient populations.
For the public, the message is straightforward. Drinking rosella tea may be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, but it should not replace prescribed medical treatment for hypertension or cholesterol disorders. Patients are still advised to follow physician recommendations, take prescribed medication, limit salt intake, maintain physical activity, and undergo regular blood pressure monitoring.
The findings also underscore a broader lesson in healthcare: popularity and traditional use of herbal remedies do not always equal proven clinical effectiveness. Evidence-based medicine remains essential in determining which therapies truly benefit patients.
Author Profile
Dr. Hertina Silaban
Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Indonesia (UKI), Jakarta. Her expertise includes pharmacology, therapeutic medicine, and treatment evaluation.
Angelina Cindy Wahyudi
Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Indonesia (UKI), Jakarta. Her academic interests focus on medical and clinical health research.
Dr. Achnes Pangaribuan
Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Indonesia (UKI), Jakarta. Her expertise centers on internal medicine and cardiometabolic disease management.
Research Source
Silaban, H., Wahyudi, A.C., & Pangaribuan, A. (2026). The Effectiveness of Rosella Tea on Lipid Profile and Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients with Comorbidities. Asian Journal of Healthcare Analytics, Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 219–232. DOI: 10.55927/ajha.v5i1.16523.
0 Komentar