Ambashtaki (Ambashtaki (Ambashta, Patha, Changeri, Mochika))

Properties

Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Hypoglycemic effect, Lipid profile modulation, ACE inhibition

Dosage

General: The appropriate dosage of hibiscus depends on various factors, including the user's age, health condition, and other individual variables. Hypertension: Infusion: 10 g of dry *Hibiscus sabdariffa* calyx in water (standardized to 9.6 mg of anthocyanin content) daily for 4 weeks. Herbal Medicinal Product: Prepared from *H. sabdariffa* dried calyx extract (standardized to 250 mg of total anthocyanins) daily for 4 weeks. Aqueous Extract: Dosages used in studies include 2 spoonfuls daily, 100 mg daily, and 3.75 g daily for 15 days to 6 weeks. Meta-analyses indicate that *Hibiscus sabdariffa* tea can modestly reduce blood pressure in prehypertensive or mildly hypertensive patients, with doses of 1.25 to 10 g of dried flowers, infused in 150 to 500 ml of water, one to three times per day for 2 to 6 weeks. Some trials increased the dose up to 15 or 20 g per day for 2 to 3 weeks. Metabolic Syndrome: A daily intake of 500 mg of *Hibiscus sabdariffa* powder for 4 weeks modestly reduces systolic blood pressure and triglycerides. Another study shows that an extract of 100 mg per day slightly improves fasting glucose and the lipid profile, especially when combined with an appropriate dietary regimen. Standardized Extract: 100 mg - 500 mg Infusion: 5 g per 200 ml of hot water Children: A dose of 2 grams by mouth three times daily for up to 4 weeks has been used safely in adolescents 12-18 years of age. Maximum amount: It's usually recommended to limit consumption to 3 cups per day.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Amla (Sour)
• Virya: ["শীতল (Cooling)"]
• Vipaka: ["Amla (Sour)"]

Benefits

• Raktapittahara (controls bleeding disorders)
• Dahahara (reduces burning sensation)
• Trishnahara (relieves thirst)

Traditional uses

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Hyperlipidemia
• Inflammation

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Tea/Infusion: Steep the dried calyces (1-2 tablespoons per 12 oz water) in just-boiled water for 5-10 minutes for a bright, tart flavor. Strain before drinking. For a smoother flavor, use a cold infusion in the refrigerator for 4-12 hours. Traditionally, hibiscus tea is made using the fleshy red calyx of the *Hibiscus sabdariffa*. In preparing hibiscus tea, use dried calyces to impart a deep red color and tangy, fruity flavor. To make hibiscus-lime tea, add ¾ cup dried hibiscus flowers, ½ cup agave syrup, grated zest and juice of 1 lime to 4 cups of boiling water. Let steep for 7-10 minutes, strain, add 2 cups cold water and 2 cups ice, and garnish with lime.
• Concentrate: Steep 1 cup of calyces in 1 quart of hot water for 15-20 minutes, then strain. Dilute 1:1 to 1:3 with cold water or seltzer.
• Other Culinary Uses: The fleshy red calyces are used to make juices, squashes, jellies, wines, jams, spices, soups, and sauces. In some cuisines, the leaves are fried or cooked with fish. The flowers can be used in salads, cooked dishes, or as a food dye.
• Extraction: Aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces contains chlorogenic acid, myricetin 3-arabinogalactoside, 5-O-caffeoylshikimic acid, quercetin 3-rutinoside, delphinidin 3-sambubioside, and cyanidin 3-sambubioside.
• From fresh flowers: Pull the petals off and rinse them in a strainer. Boil 4 cups of water, add the petals, turn heat off, and cover. Steep for 15–20 min.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is possibly unsafe during pregnancy as it might stimulate menstruation and potentially cause miscarriage. Its safety during breastfeeding is also uncertain, so it's best to avoid use.
• Low blood pressure: Hibiscus might lower blood pressure, so people with existing low blood pressure should use it with caution.
• Diabetes: Hibiscus may affect blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely as it might cause blood sugar to go too low, or interfere with diabetes medications.
• Surgery: Hibiscus might affect blood sugar levels, making blood sugar control difficult during and after surgery. It is advised to stop using hibiscus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
• Drug interactions: Chloroquine, Antihypertensive drugs, Antidiabetes drugs, Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Diclofenac, Simvastatin.
• Other potential concerns: High doses of hibiscus over a long period might affect the reproductive system, kidneys, and liver function. It has a contraceptive action and hence women desirous of having children should avoid it.

Side effects

• Hibiscus is generally considered safe when consumed in food amounts.
• When used in medicinal amounts, it is considered possibly safe.
• Side effects are uncommon but may include stomach upset, gas, and constipation.
• May lower blood pressure, which can be a risk for those with already low blood pressure or those on antihypertensive medications.
• May lower blood sugar levels, which can be concerning for individuals taking diabetes medications.
• Some people may experience headaches or dizziness.
• Excessive consumption of hibiscus extract has been linked to elevated liver enzymes in some animal studies.
• There is some evidence that hibiscus might start menstruation, and this could cause a miscarriage. Therefore, hibiscus is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy.

Interactions

• Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs): Hibiscus might lower blood pressure, and taking it with these medications might cause blood pressure to go too low.
• Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs): Hibiscus might decrease blood sugar levels. The dose of diabetes medications might need to be adjusted. Monitor blood sugar closely as hibiscus might reduce the effects of diabetes medications.
• Chloroquine: Hibiscus tea might reduce the amount of chloroquine that the body can absorb and use. People taking chloroquine for malaria should avoid hibiscus products.
• Other possible interactions: caffeine and caffeine-containing products, erlotinib, herbs with hypotensive properties, and simvastatin.
• Hibiscus may interact with diclofenac, a drug used to relieve pain.
• Taking Hibiscus sabdariffa with captopril, a frequently prescribed antihypertensive drug, could alter its pharmacokinetic profile, decreasing the drug's efficacy.

Clinical evidence

Meta-analyses of up to 15 RCTs and databases tracking 20+ RCTs show that Hibiscus sabdariffa can lower blood pressure and improve lipid profiles in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Some studies suggest equivalent efficacy to standard antihypertensive agents.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Raktapittahara (controls bleeding disorders)
• Dahahara (reduces burning sensation)
• Trishnahara (relieves thirst)

Classical clinical indications

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Hyperlipidemia
• Inflammation