Review article: Using common medicinal plants to treat high blood pressure: An updated overview and emphasis on antihypertensive phytochemicals

Abstract

The primary cause of many fatalities is hypertension (high blood pressure). Many hypertensive patients are not even aware that they have the condition. As a result, hypertension is sometimes referred to as a silent killer. Until the harmful effects of high blood pressure, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, renal abnormalities, and vision problems, are identified, hypertension is typically asymptomatic. Without the use of herbs and dietary control, conventional medication therapy could not be enough to treat hypertension. The growing number of persons with high blood pressure can be effectively treated using alternative medicine. Numerous alternative therapies, such as diet, exercise, stress management, vitamins, and herbs, have been proven to be effective in lowering high blood pressure. There are several medications available to treat this disorder however popular antihypertensive medications typically have a long list of adverse effects. Numerous active ingredients with pharmacological and preventative qualities found in medicinal plants can be used to treat hypertension. This review discusses an overview of important medicinal plants and phytochemicals with hypotensive or antihypertensive effects.