Impact of a Standardized Hibiscus sabdariffae Beverage on Lipid Profiles and Blood Pressure in West African Adults: A Prospective Study
Impact d'une Boisson d’Hibiscus sabdariffae Homologuée sur le Profil Lipidique et la Pression Artérielle chez des Adultes en Afrique de l’Ouest : Une Étude Prospective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18541199Keywords:
Hibiscus sabdariffa, cardiovascular risk factors, propertiesAbstract
RÉSUMÉ
Introduction. L’Hibiscus sabdariffae (bissap) est une plante emblématique en Afrique subsaharienne, prisée pour ses propriétés antioxydantes et cardioprotectrices. Cependant, les méthodes de préparation artisanales altèrent fréquemment la biodisponibilité de ses nutriments essentiels. Le projet AFTER a développé un procédé de fabrication homologué visant à préserver ces composés actifs. Cette étude visait à évaluer l’efficacité d’une boisson préparée selon ce standard sur les principaux facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire chez des adultes symptomatiques ou à risque. Méthodologie. Nous avons mené une étude interventionnelle analytique durant le mois de septembre 2025 auprès de 61 travailleurs municipaux. Les participants ont consommé quotidiennement 33 cl de la boisson homologuée (teneur en sucre réduite à 20 %) pendant 15 jours consécutifs. Nous avons mesuré l’indice de masse corporelle (IMC), la pression artérielle et les paramètres biologiques (glycémie, bilan lipidique par méthodes colorimétriques) à J0 et J15. L’analyse statistique a reposé sur le test de Student apparié avec un seuil de significativité de p < 0,05. Résultats. La cohorte (âge moyen 44 +- 12 ans) présentait une prévalence élevée de surcharge pondérale (67,7 %). Après deux semaines d'intervention, nous n'avons observé aucune modification significative de l’IMC (26,96 vs 26,93 kg/m²), de la pression artérielle systolique (127,8 vs 125,2 mmHg) ou du LDL-cholestérol. En revanche, la consommation a induit une hausse remarquable du HDL-cholestérol (0,42 +- 0,08 vs 0,48 +- 0,11 g/L ; p < 0,001) et une réduction significative de l’indice d’athérogénicité, qui est passé de 5,39 à 4,81 (p < 0,001). Ces deux marqueurs représentent l'effet biologique prédominant de l'extrait. Conclusion. Une consommation courte d’Hibiscus sabdariffae préparé selon le procédé AFTER améliore le profil lipidique protecteur sans influencer les paramètres anthropométriques ou tensionnels à court terme. Ces résultats soulignent l'intérêt des boissons fonctionnelles standardisées dans la prévention des maladies cardiovasculaires, tout en suggérant qu'une durée d'exposition prolongée serait nécessaire pour obtenir un effet hypotenseur tangible.
ABSTRACT
Introduction. Hibiscus sabdariffae (bissap) is widely consumed in Sub-Saharan Africa for its antioxidant and cardioprotective properties. However, traditional preparation methods often degrade its essential nutrients, limiting clinical efficacy. The AFTER project developed a standardized manufacturing process to preserve these bioactive compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of this standardized beverage on major cardiovascular risk factors among at-risk adults. Methods. We conducted a prospective analytical study in September 2025 involving 61 municipal workers. Participants consumed 33 cl of the standardized beverage (reduced sugar content to 20% of traditional levels) daily for 15 consecutive days. We assessed Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, and biochemical parameters (glucose and lipid profiles via colorimetric assays) at baseline and day 15. Statistical analysis utilized paired t-tests with significance set at p < 0.05. Results. The cohort (mean age 44 +- 12 years) showed a high prevalence of overweight or obesity (67.7%). After the 15-day intervention, no significant changes were observed in BMI (26.96 vs 26.93 kg/m²), systolic blood pressure (127.8 vs 125.2 mmHg), or LDL-cholesterol. Conversely, consumption induced a remarkable increase in HDL-cholesterol (0.42 +- 0.08 vs 0.48 +- 0.11 g/L; p < 0.001) and a significant reduction in the atherogenic index from 5.39 to 4.81 (p < 0.001). These markers represent the predominant biological effect of the extract. Conclusion. Short-term intake of standardized Hibiscus sabdariffae optimizes the protective lipid profile without altering anthropometric or blood pressure parameters. These findings highlight the potential of standardized functional beverages in cardiovascular disease prevention, while suggesting that longer exposure might be necessary to achieve significant hypotensive effects.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Carine Mireille Yao-Yapo, Gisèle Akpé, Marie Laure Hauhouot-Attoungbré, Eric Sagou Yayo, Jean Louis Konan, Akissi Joelle Koffi, Dagui Monnet

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