The colorful anthocyanins in hibiscus have been found to increase liver antioxidant enzymes, protect against oxidative stress. and prevent liver fat accumulation in rats with diabetes and obesity
Trusted SourceResearch in animals suggests that hibiscus extracts may help prevent fat cells from accumulating. This could prevent complications sometimes seen with obesity, such as fatty liver and insulin resistanceResearch in animals suggests that hibiscus extracts may help prevent fat cells from accumulating. This could prevent complications sometimes seen with obesity, such as fatty liver and insulin resistance
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Promisingly, hibiscus may help treat metabolic syndrome.
A small study in 16 older women with metabolic syndrome found that drinking hibiscus tea twice daily for 21 days significantly reduced blood pressure, blood triglycerides, and fasting blood sugar compared with placebo
In another study in 40 adults with metabolic syndrome, those who took hibiscus powder once daily for 4 weeks experienced significant decreases in blood triglycerides and systolic blood pressure compared with a placebo group
Overall, hibiscus may help manage aspects of metabolic syndrome, especially blood sugar issues, although more research is needed
