Mandara (Mandara (Alarka, PariBhadra, Nimba Taru, Parijatka))

Properties

Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Blood sugar regulation, Blood pressure regulation

Dosage

Clinical trials investigating the hypotensive effect of hibiscus have used oral daily dosages of an infusion prepared with 10 g of dry *Hibiscus sabdariffa* calyx in water. This was standardized to 9.6 mg of anthocyanin content per dose. Another dosage was an herbal medicinal product prepared from *Hibiscus sabdariffa* dried calyx extract, standardized to 250 mg of total anthocyanins per dose. The treatment duration in these studies was 4 weeks. A review and meta-analysis investigating blood pressure effects used *Hibiscus sabdariffa* aqueous extract dosages including 2 spoonfuls daily, 100 mg daily, and 3.75 g daily for 15 days to 6 weeks. For hypoglycemic effect in type 2 diabetic rats, 250/500 mg/kg body weight of *Hibiscus rosa-sinensis* was administered. Animal-based studies affirm its safety between 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight. Important Note: There is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for *Hibiscus rosa-sinensis*. Natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Astringent, Sour
• Virya: ["Cooling"]
• Vipaka: ["Sour"]

Benefits

• Wound healing
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antidiabetic

Traditional uses

• Wounds
• Inflammation
• Diabetes
• Hypertension

Dosha effects

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

Preparation methods

• Tea/Infusion: The flowers are steeped in hot water to make hibiscus tea, also known as sour tea.
• Extract: Hibiscus extracts are prepared using solvents like ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate, and acetone. The plant material is dried, powdered, and then extracted using methods like maceration, Soxhlet extraction, or ultrasonic-assisted extraction.
• Powder: The flowers can be dried and ground into a powder for use in face packs, hair masks, or consumed as tea.
• Oil: The paste of the leaf and flower can be processed in sesame oil for hair application.
• Other: Different parts of the plant are used in various culinary preparations like jams, spices, soups, and sauces.

Contraindications

• Hypotension: Individuals on antihypertensive medications should monitor their blood pressure closely. It should not be used alongside high blood pressure medications due to its hypotensive effects.
• Allergies: Rare allergic reactions like skin rash or urticaria are possible with topical use. A patch test is recommended before widespread application. Those with a known hypersensitivity to plants of the Malvaceae family should avoid hibiscus.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Large doses may cause mild diarrhea or abdominal cramps.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended due to a lack of safety data. It might stimulate a menstrual cycle or have effects that might terminate pregnancy; it might have effects that can be harmful to the infant.
• Surgery: It is advised to stop using hibiscus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
• Interactions with Medications: Antidiabetes drugs.
• Children: There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe for children under 12 years old. Hibiscus sabdariffa is possibly safe when used at a dose of 2 grams by mouth three times daily for up to 4 weeks in adolescents 12-18 years of age.

Side effects

• Hibiscus may cause a drop in blood pressure.
• Other reported side effects include dermatitis, headache, nausea, and ringing in the ear.
• Some people may experience allergic reactions such as itching, headaches, or stomach upset.
• Digestive issues like stomach upset or diarrhea may occur, especially with large amounts.
• Due to the oxalate content, hibiscus may contribute to kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals.
• There is some evidence that hibiscus might start menstruation, and this could cause a miscarriage, so it is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy.

Interactions

• Hibiscus may interact with certain medications, including those for hypertension and diabetes.
• Hibiscus tea might reduce the amount of chloroquine that the body can absorb, reducing its effectiveness.
• Studies have shown altered pharmacokinetics of chloroquine, acetaminophen, and diclofenac with hibiscus consumption.
• Possible interactions exist with blood pressure-lowering agents, caffeine, erlotinib, herbs with hypotensive properties, and simvastatin.
• If you are on medications for hypertension, diabetes, or are taking analgesics and anticoagulants, consult your healthcare provider before incorporating hibiscus into your routine.
• It is essential to stop using hibiscus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery because it might affect blood sugar levels, making blood sugar control difficult during and after surgery.

Clinical evidence

Early research shows potential therapeutic applications of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. A pilot study suggests it can help close venous leg ulcers. Several studies indicate antidiabetic potential by reducing blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity. Some research also shows it might help lower blood pressure in individuals with mild hypertension. *In vitro* studies demonstrate anticancer properties against HeLa cells.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Wound healing
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antidiabetic

Classical clinical indications

• Wounds
• Inflammation
• Diabetes
• Hypertension