The leaves of one species of Hibiscus have traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac in Africa. New research shows that the leaves do contain substances with anabolic and phytoandrogen properties. The plant apparently does not contain testosterone, but does contain something that mimics the action of testosterone, stimulates the testosterone receptors, and has the same effects as testosterone.

A 2007 study on immature mice involved 4 different treatments: a cold water hibiscus extract, a hot water hibiscus extract, an alcohol extract of hibiscus, and a control group.

Immature rats grew faster when administered any of the extracts. The increase in the weights of the testicles, epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate glands were all greater than the overall increase in body weight, indicating that the compound was not merely anabolic, but that it was a phytoandrogen.

While traditional African herbalists favor the cold water extract, this was found to be the weakest way to prepare the herb. The hot water extract was stronger, and the alcoholic extract was strongest of all.

The species used was Hibiscus rosa sinensis. This same species is grown as an ornamental plant throughout the tropical and subtropical world. It is not clear how different cultivars and hybrids that have been bred for looks might vary in their potency.

According to Plants For a Future, the young leaves are sometime used as a food similar to spinach.

The herb teas containing Hibiscus (like Red Zinger) are from a different species, Hibiscus sabdariffa. This species flowers are loaded with healthy red pigments and may improve blood flow (including to the genitals), although there is no evidence that they stimulate the testosterone receptors.

Dosage and Toxicities

I been able to locate little information on traditional doses or possible toxicities, but some precautions did come to light.

Several studies found that the leaf extract can interfere with female fertility and the implantation of fertilized ova (by changing the endometrial lining and uterus). There is also interest in the plant as a potential contraceptive/contragestative agent.

According to The Yoga of Herbs, the flowers are used in India where they are considered "effective in menstrual difficulties, particularly excessive bleeding."

Several scientific studies have suggested that the anti-estrogenic properties of the herb are responsible for interfering with female reproduction. Which is consistent with the research that the plant contains androgenic compounds. It should be clear that women in their reproductive years should avoid Hibiscus products if they are trying to become pregnant.

Potential negative effects on men are less studied.

One potential problem involves the identification of the plants. There are over 200 species of Hibiscus worldwide, and horticulturalists have crossed some species to get larger, showier flowers. People tend to slap common names on plants in an illogical fashion, and some plants that people call 'hibiscus' may not be. This raises a red flag regarding possible poisoning if a plant is not correctly identified by its botanical name. If you're not sure, don't put it into your mouth.

Hibiscus rosa sinensis is the national flower of Malaysia. It also appears on many tropical shirts (ie, the "Hawaiian" shirt) and has been called the Hawaiian Hibiscus and the Chinese Hibiscus. The plant is in the family Malvaceae, sometimes referred to as the mallows.

External Links

• Anabolic effect of Hibiscus rosasinensis Linn. leaf extracts in immature albino male rats.

• Blastocyst implantation failure in mice due to "nonreceptive endometrium": endometrial alterations by Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaf extract.