Karkade, also known as Hibiscus sabdariffa, is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions, including the Caribbean, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The plant is commonly referred to as roselle, red sorrel, or Jamaica sorrel, among other names. The plant has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb, food, and beverage ingredient.
Karkade is a rich source of vitamin C, anthocyanins, and other antioxidants. Its calyces, the fleshy structure surrounding the plant’s seed pod, are harvested and used to make teas, jams, juices, and other products. The plant is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including hypertension, liver disease, fever, and inflammation.
Here are some reported medicinal benefits of karkade:
- Hypertension: Karkade has been shown to have blood pressure-lowering effects, making it a potentially useful treatment for hypertension. Studies have shown that karkade extract can help to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with hypertension.
- Liver health: Karkade has been traditionally used to promote liver health, and recent studies have supported this use. Karkade extract has been shown to have hepatoprotective effects, meaning that it can protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and other harmful substances.
- Anti-inflammatory: Karkade has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may be useful in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
- Antioxidant: Karkade is a rich source of antioxidants, which help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants may have a range of health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
- Weight loss: Some studies have suggested that karkade may have weight loss benefits. One study found that consuming karkade extract reduced body weight, body fat, and waist-to-hip ratio in overweight individuals.
- Digestive health: Karkade has been traditionally used to promote digestive health, and recent studies have suggested that it may have beneficial effects on the gut microbiome. Karkade extract has been shown to increase the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria and decrease the abundance of harmful bacteria.
Overall, karkade is a versatile plant with a wide range of reported medicinal benefits. While more research is needed to fully understand its effects on health, it is generally considered safe and is a popular ingredient in traditional medicine and cuisine around the world.