Bioactive Compounds and Antihypertensive Activity of Extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa L

Introduction: systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is the main risk factor for the developing of cardiovascular disease, which the leading cause of death worldwide. One of the best ways to control blood pressure (BP) levels is the combination of lifestyle changes and drug therapy. However, pharmacotherapy is expensive and produces adverse reactions. Thus, it is necessary to find cheap, safe and effective alternative treatments. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HS) is a plant that is traditionally used in some countries to treat SAH, which has given rise to various investigations to determine their compounds and their antihypertensive activity. Aim: the present article aims at reviewing the reports that support the antihypertensive activity of extracts from HS in animal and human models Conclusions: the information collected from scientific literature suggests that HS extracts have antihypertensive effects in animals and humans, especially in early stages; however, more studies in advanced stages of hypertension are needed.