Adverse Effects/ Cautions/ Drug Interactions

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Before increased consumption of Hibiscus tea is recommended, researchers should investigate its potential adverse effects on female fertility. Nivsarkar et al. (2005) found that consumption of a water extract of the leaves of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (a related species) led to the failure of blastocyst implantation in mice, possibly by interfering with uterine estrogen utilisation and therefore altering the physiology of the endometrium to make it “nonreceptive”.

In addition, it would be prudent to explore possible interactions that could occur between the chemical constituents of roselle and other drugs people are taking. Fakeye et al. (2007) found that patients who took diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug, together with with a Hibiscus sabdariffa beverage exhibited a reduced excretion of the drug in their urine on average compared to those who took the drug with water. This finding indicates that H. sabdariffa could have an impact on drug metabolism. Drug interactions of this nature would be particularly worrisome for drugs with a narrow therapeutic window for effectiveness and safety (Fakeye et al., 2007).