Editing Openai/68f254dc-1570-8004-ab56-efe884c7e623 (section)

==== - The potency of hibiscus effects is modest compared to pharmaceutical drugs. ====
* Bioavailability: many of its active compounds undergo metabolism (e.g. by gut flora) and transformation, limiting how much reaches systemic circulation in active form.
* Dose, preparation, and standardization vary widely across studies, making translation to “how much tea to drink” uncertain.
* Interactions: because hibiscus lowers blood pressure, it may potentiate the effect of antihypertensive medications (risk of hypotension). Also, it may interact with medications metabolized via certain liver enzymes.
* Safety: in most studies up to 12 weeks hibiscus appears well tolerated, but long-term safety at high doses is less studied.
* Effect heterogeneity: not everyone responds, depending on individual physiology, genetics, and comorbidities.