Effect of ethanolic extract of rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on vital signs, kidney, and liver safety

Summary Introduction: Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) extract is often used as immune-stimulant because it contains flavonoids, especially anthocyanin and quercetin with antioxidant activities. Objective: This study aimed to determine the safety of the rosella extract consumed in the form of capsules on the vital signs, haematologic parameters as well as kidney and liver function. Methods: This research was conducted using clinical trial pre- and post-test design in healthy participants. There were 21 healthy participants (52% male, age ranged 8–45) consuming rosella capsules for thirty days, in a dose of 500 mg extract daily. Leukocytes, lymphocytes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and vital signs were consecutively evaluated on days 0, 31, and 45, respectively. The Wilcoxon and paired sample t-test were used to compare the parameters among the evaluated times. Results: The result showed that no significant difference for all parameters among the three time points (p>0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggested that the administration of ethanolic extract of rosella is potential safe and does not negatively affect the vital signs, haemoglobin, leukocytes, lymphocytes, BUN, SGOT, and SGPT.