Impact of Aqueous Hibiscus sabdariffa Extract on Lipid Profile in Women with Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Study in Al-Nasiriyah City

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants, College of Pharmacy, University of Thi-qar, Thi-qar 64001, Iraq

2 Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Thi-qar, Thi-qar 64001, Iraq

Abstract

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SHT) is one of the common thyroid dysfunctions. This disorder is marked by elevated serum thyrotropin (TSH) levels with normal triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxin (T4). It is often associated with dyslipidemia, particularly elevated total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (sour tea) contains anthocyanins and polyphenols known for their lipid-lowering and antioxidant properties. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa (20 g/200 ml) on metabolism of lipid in women that suffering from SHT. Fifty participants were enrolled: 10 healthy women (Group 1), and 40 women with SHT, who were subdivided into a control group (Group 2, n = 25) and a treatment group (Group 3, n = 15). The two group (group 2 & 3) took two cups of this extract daily for 6 weeks. Indices of thyroid function and lipid metabolism were measured across the study period and after it. Study results showed a significant lowering in TC, triglyceride (TG), and LDL levels and a simultaneous increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and thyroid hormone parameters in the treatment group compared to the control group. The effects of extracting H. sabdariffa in lowering lipid level were likely due to its effects on modulating lipid metabolism and its features in enhancing antioxidant activity. For these results, daily consumption of this extract may offer a natural and supportive approach to the management of dyslipidemia in women with SHT.

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Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products
Volume 15, Issue 1
January and February 2026
Pages 91-95

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