Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Zobo) Drink on Blood Pressure and Lipid Profile of Hypertensive Adults in Bauchi State

Hibiscus sabdariffa, commonly consumed as zobo drink across Nigeria, has attracted scientific interest due to reported antihypertensive and lipid-lowering properties, though clinical evidence in Nigerian hypertensive populations remains limited. This study evaluates the effect of regular zobo drink consumption on blood pressure and serum lipid profile in hypertensive adults in Bauchi metropolis, Bauchi State. Sixty confirmed hypertensive adults not on antihypertensive medication were recruited and randomized into two groups of thirty: an intervention group consuming 500 millilitres of standardized zobo extract twice daily for four weeks, and a control group consuming an equivalent volume of flavour-matched water. Blood pressure was measured at baseline, week two, and week four by a trained nurse using a validated automated sphygmomanometer. Fasting blood was collected at baseline and week four for lipid profile analysis. Results show a statistically significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the zobo intervention group from week two onwards, with a mean systolic reduction of 11.2 mmHg and diastolic reduction of 6.8 mmHg at week four. The control group showed no significant change. Total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides were significantly reduced in the intervention group at week four, while HDL-C showed a non-significant upward trend. No adverse effects were reported in the intervention group. These findings support the antihypertensive and lipid-lowering potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa and recommend its evaluation as a dietary adjunct in hypertension management. Keywords: Hibiscus sabdariffa, zobo, blood pressure, lipid profile, Bauchi State.