Experts on Obstetrics, Gynecology and Nutrition, have faulted findings from studies that claimed that pregnant women who consume Hibiscus Sabdariffa tea, popularly known as zobo, stand the risk of having miscarriage or premature labor.

The lead researcher, Nkechi Enwerem of the Division of Nursing, Howard University, USA, said the seed and calyces of Hibiscus Sabdariffa, have been shown to possess some beneficial, therapeutic effects and that there is no strong clinical evidence supporting the use of Hibiscus Sabdariffa in pregnancy or during lactation.

However, claims were countered by gynecologists, who said the findings, lacked scientific evidence as they had not been proven in humans.

One of them, a consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Akwa, Anambra State, Dr. Stanley Egbogu, said, it is not known to gynecologists that drinking Zobo had any effect on pregnant women or lactating mothers.

He, however, said processing of the drink, must be done hygienically.

Edited by Ngozi Anna Akunne.

PUNCH