An Herbal Tea Blend of Hibiscus sabdariffa, Zingiber officinale, and Mentha spicata: A Potent Source of Antioxidant and Anti-Obesity Properties

Abstract

Background: There is an urgent need to find safer and more sustainable solutions to tackle the rising global epidemic obesity and associated complications. The main objective of this study was to develop formulations of herbal tea blend from three plant species and to assess the antioxidant and antiobesogenic properties of the best formulation. Methods: The best formulation (FX) obtained (80% Hibiscus sabdariffa, 10% Zingiber officinale and 10% Mentha spicata) was validated by their better sensory acceptability and antioxidant properties. In vivo study using high-fat diet Wistar rats revealed that FX alleviated oxidative stress and metabolic disorders including those affecting hepatic and renal functions caused by high-fat died. Results: The administration of FX resulted in a reduction in food intake, body weight gain and metabolic efficiency index alongside lower blood content in triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, glucose, and atherogenic index when compared to the control groups. The results were comparable if not better than those obtained from the reference groups treated with a standard obesity treatment medicine, Orlistat. Conclusion: The developed herbal blend showed promising results for use as a safer product for obesity prevention and management as well as other oxidative stress-related health issues.