Evidence supporting the use of: Hibiscus
For the health condition: Kidney Stones

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), commonly known as roselle, has a long history of traditional use in various cultures, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, for supporting urinary tract health and kidney function. Folk medicine often recommends hibiscus tea as a natural remedy for kidney stones, attributing diuretic properties to the plant that may help flush out the urinary system and reduce stone formation. Scientific evidence supporting hibiscus specifically for the treatment or prevention of kidney stones is limited. Some small animal studies have suggested that hibiscus extracts may increase urine output and alter urinary chemistry in a way that could, in theory, reduce the risk of certain types of kidney stones (such as calcium oxalate stones). For example, a few rodent studies have reported decreased formation of kidney stones or lowered urinary oxalate levels with hibiscus administration. However, these findings have not been robustly replicated in human studies, and high-quality, large-scale clinical trials are lacking. The traditional use of hibiscus for kidney stones appears to be based more on its general diuretic and urinary tract benefits rather than direct litholytic (stone-dissolving) activity. Therefore, while hibiscus is commonly used in traditional systems for kidney support, its efficacy for treating or preventing kidney stones remains insufficiently validated by modern science.

More about hibiscus
More about Kidney Stones