Hibiscus sabdariffa, commonly known as roselle, is a plant whose bright red calyxes are widely used to make popular teas, beverages, and flavorings worldwide. It is known as a general health supplement, primarily due to its high concentration of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins. Research consistently demonstrates various health benefits associated with hibiscus consumption, such as reducing high blood pressure and improving lipid profiles. However, determining whether this popular herbal ingredient supports or hinders reproductive function requires examining scientific data beyond its general wellness uses.
Understanding Hibiscus in Traditional Medicine
The use of hibiscus has a long history in traditional medicine systems across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Historically, preparations were used in folk medicine to address female reproductive health, including attempts to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate discomfort.
The plant was also traditionally employed for its emmenagogue effects, meaning it was believed to stimulate menstrual flow. This traditional application explains why questions about its effect on the reproductive system persist. While traditional practices offer a starting point, they lack the standardized dosage and rigorous testing modern science requires. Traditional use for uterine health does not equate to scientific validation for its use when actively trying to conceive.
Scientific Findings on Hibiscus and Reproductive Function
Scientific investigations into the reproductive effects of hibiscus, largely conducted through animal studies, suggest caution is warranted. The compounds within Hibiscus sabdariffa interact with the endocrine system, which regulates reproductive hormones. Research indicates that hibiscus extracts may possess phytoestrogenic effects, meaning they can mimic or modulate estrogen activity in the body.
Anti-Implantation Effects
A primary concern involves the potential for anti-implantation effects—the ability to interfere with a fertilized egg attaching to the uterine wall. Studies link hibiscus consumption to anti-fertility effects in female animal models, suggesting it may terminate pregnancy. This outcome is attributed to the extract’s impact on estrogen and progesterone activity, two hormones necessary for preparing the uterus for implantation and sustaining pregnancy.
Male Reproductive Health
Research has also explored hibiscus’s effect on male reproductive health, indicating a negative impact. In male rats, high doses of aqueous hibiscus extract have been associated with a significant reduction in testicular weight, sperm motility, and sperm viability. These findings suggest the plant’s compounds can affect gamete health and hormone levels, including decreasing testosterone and altering follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. The overall evidence points toward potential hormonal disruption in both sexes, which is counterproductive to conception.
Safety Considerations While Trying to Conceive
Based on scientific findings, hibiscus consumption is strongly discouraged for individuals actively trying to conceive or who may be pregnant. The herb’s potential to interfere with the delicate hormonal balance required for ovulation, fertilization, and successful implantation presents a clear risk. The traditional use of hibiscus as an emmenagogue, which stimulates blood flow, reinforces the concern that it may encourage uterine contractions or bleeding, posing a direct risk to a new pregnancy.
It is important to recognize that even common preparations, such as hibiscus tea, involve consuming an unregulated amount of the plant’s active compounds. Since there is no standardized dosage for reproductive safety in humans, the risk outweighs any unproven benefit. Individuals planning a pregnancy should stop consuming all hibiscus-containing products immediately, including herbal teas, supplements, and food products using the calyx extract.
Before combining any herbal supplement, including hibiscus, with fertility treatments or during the planning phase of pregnancy, consult a healthcare professional. A fertility specialist or an obstetrician-gynecologist can provide guidance tailored to individual health circumstances and current treatment plans. This consultation ensures that one’s diet and supplement regimen do not unknowingly pose a risk to conception or fetal development.