Health benefits of hibiscus enormous — Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu

Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu is a distinguished nature path, pro­fessor of naturopathy, lawyer, legal academic, Chartered Health Economist, and Chartred Management Consultant. He is a passionate advo­cate for traditional and alternative medicine in Africa.

The outdated perception that practitioners of traditional and alter­native medicine lack formal education is now a thing of the past, and Prof. Nyarkotey has played a crucial role in reshaping this narrative.

It is rare, if not unprecedented, for a lawyer to be at the forefront of pro­moting natural and herbal medicine in Ghana and Africa.

However, Prof. Nyarkotey has demonstrated beyond doubt that it is possible. His journey began as a natu­ropath before he pursued law in The Gambia, where he was later called to the Bar. This remarkable achievement made him the first naturopath in Afri­ca to attain such a distinction.

Recognising his unique position, traditional healers in The Gambia urged him to use his legal expertise to advance the cause of traditional and alternative medicine, a mission he actively pursues.

As the President of Nyarkotey University College of Holistic Medi­cine and Technology in Ghana, Prof. Nyarkotey has been instrumental in advancing naturopathy and holistic medicine education.

He played a key role in developing Ghana’s first National Occupational Standard in Naturopathy and Holistic Medicine under the Commission for TVET (CTVET). His expertise spans naturopathic research, healthcare law and policy, law and development, theology, health economics, and the integration of traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare systems.

Globally recognised for his contribu­tions, he has significantly influenced legal frameworks for naturopathy and alternative medicine in both Ghana and The Gambia.

In recent years, hypertension, com­monly known as high blood pressure, has become a major public health concern in Ghana.

Health statistics indicate that a significant percentage of the adult population suffers from hypertension, exacerbated by poor dietary habits, stress, lack of physical activity, and genetic predisposition.

Other chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, are also prevalent. Prof. Nyarkotey has gained widespread recognition for his pioneering promotion of hibiscus as a natural remedy for managing high blood pressure, a topic that has recently gone viral.

As a distinguished columnist for the Ghanaian Times, his insights caught the attention of The Spectator, leading to an interview to discuss the health and economic benefits of hibis­cus, commonly known as sobolo.

Interviewer (The Spectator): Prof. Nyarkotey, your research and arti­cles on the health benefits of sobolo have been trending recently. Can you shed more light on its impact on hypertension?

Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Thank you for the opportunity. Yes, my recent studies and articles have focused on the effects of hibiscus, or sobolo, on high blood pressure. Several scientific studies, including my own research, have shown that hibiscus has antihy­pertensive properties.

It contains bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, which help lower blood pressure by re­laxing blood vessels, improving circu­lation, and reducing oxidative stress.

Studies indicate that hibiscus tea can be as effective as some antihyper­tensive medications in mild to mod­erate hypertension cases. However, moderation is key, especially for those already on blood pressure medica­tions.

The Spectator: How does hibiscus work to lower high blood pressure?

Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Hibiscus primarily acts as a natural ACE (angio­tensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor, preventing blood vessel constriction, and thus lowering blood pressure.

Additionally, it has diuretic proper­ties that help eliminate excess sodium and fluids from the body, contributing to better blood pressure regulation. Its antioxidants also combat oxidative stress, a major factor in hypertension.

The Spectator: Apart from hyper­tension, you also mentioned that hibiscus improves urine flow in men with prostate issues. Can you elabo­rate how this works?

Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Certainly. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in aging men that leads to difficulty in urination due to prostate enlargement. Hibiscus has diuretic properties that increase urine production and flow, alleviating symptoms such as frequent urination and urinary retention. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce prostate swelling and improve urinary health.

The Spectator: That’s interesting. What is the difference between con­suming hibiscus cold versus hot?

Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: The tempera­ture at which hibiscus is consumed affects its potency. Cold hibiscus tea retains more vitamin C and delicate antioxidants, making it ideal for boosting immunity and hydration. Hot hibiscus tea, however, releases more flavonoids and polyphenols, enhancing its cardiovascular benefits. Cold hibis­cus is great for antioxidant effects, while hot hibiscus is better suited for hypertension and relaxation.

The Spectator: What about hibis­cus powders, capsules, tablets, and decoctions? How do they compare in effectiveness?

Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Hibiscus is available in various forms. Powders retain most bioactive compounds and can be added to food or drinks. Capsules and tablets offer a conve­nient, standardised dosage, ideal for those who prefer not to drink tea. Decoctions, where hibiscus is boiled for extended periods, may extract additional medicinal compounds. Each form has its benefits, depending on individual needs.

The Spectator: Does hibiscus help regulate blood sugar levels?

Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Yes, hibiscus helps improve insulin sensitivity and slows carbohydrate absorption, which is beneficial for individuals with diabe­tes. Drinking hibiscus tea after meals can moderate blood sugar spikes and enhance glucose metabolism.

The Spectator: Can individuals with low blood pressure and low blood sugar consume hibiscus?

Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Those with low blood pressure or low blood sugar should be cautious, as hibiscus can further lower both. It is advisable to consult a naturopathic doctor before incorporating it into their diet.

The Spectator: Can hibiscus be combined with pharmaceutical anti­hypertensive and diabetic medica­tions?

Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Hibiscus may enhance the effects of these medica­tions, leading to excessively low blood pressure or blood sugar. Individuals on these medications should consult their doctors before combining hibiscus with their treatment regimen.

The Spectator: Is hibiscus benefi­cial for liver and kidney health?

Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Yes, hibis­cus has hepatoprotective properties that support liver health by reducing oxidative stress and promoting detox­ification. Its diuretic effects also aid kidney health by flushing out toxins and reducing the risk of kidney stones. However, those with existing kidney conditions should seek medical advice before consuming it regularly.

The Spectator: What are your plans for the hibiscus industry?

Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: I see signifi­cant potential in the hibiscus industry and plan to promote large-scale cul­tivation, value addition, and further research. I aim to collaborate with stakeholders to develop hibiscus-based products and create more awareness of its health benefits. Establishing a structured hibiscus industry could provide economic opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and research­ers.

The Spectator: You also mentioned that sobolo could replace commu­nion wine. Can you elaborate on this?

Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Absolutely. I recently spoke with a pastor con­cerned about the rising cost of import­ed communion wine. Many churches struggle to afford these imports. I strongly propose Sobolo as an afford­able, healthier, and locally sourced alternative.

The Spectator: How does Sobolo compare to traditional communion wine?

Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Traditional communion wine is made from fer­mented grape juice and often contains alcohol. Sobolo, made from hibiscus flowers, ginger, and spices, is rich in antioxidants and alcohol-free, making it suitable for all church members, including children and abstainers.

The Spectator: Thank you, Prof. Nyarkotey, for sharing such valuable insights.

Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Thank you as well. It’s always a pleasure to educate the public on naturopathic medicine and healthy living.

• By Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu