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

Abdulredha, Wafa Saleh; Abdullah, Riyadh Khion; Anatheil, Amal Hussein

doi:10.22034/jmpb.2025.369351.1958

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

Articles in Press

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

10.22034/jmpb.2025.369351.1958

Abstract

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SHT) is a frequently encountered thyroid disorder 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 aimed to evaluate the effect of H. sabdariffa aqueous extract (20 g/100 mL) on lipid metabolism in women with 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). Participants in the treatment group consumed two cups of the extract daily for six weeks. Biochemical evaluations of thyroid function and lipid metabolism were carried out before and after the intervention. Results showed that the treatment group demonstrated significant reductions in TC, triglycerides (TG), and LDL levels, with a concurrent increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) compared to the control group. Slight improvements in thyroid hormone parameters were also observed. The observed lipid-lowering effects are likely linked to the extract’s ability to modulate lipid metabolism and enhance antioxidant activity. In conclusion, daily consumption of H. sabdariffa extract may offer a natural, supportive approach for managing dyslipidemia in women with SHT. Further research involving broader participant groups and extended study periods is advised to confirm these findings and explore underlying mechanisms.

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