HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE LOWERING
HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS
Blood pressure is linked to the type of
food we eat. High blood pressure is a
major contributor to heart disease
and strokes.
MAJOR NUTRIENT

DIET.
SUPPLEMENT
PhytoChemicals
Antioxidants

A-Z Health Foods,  
Products

Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Alfalfa
Almond
Aloe vera
Andrographis
Aniseed
Apple
Arnica
Ashwagandha
Asian Pears
Asparagus
Astaxanthin,
Astragulus
Artichoke
Avena sativa
Avocados
Barley
Banana
Basil
Beet
black cohosh
Bladderwrack
Blackberry
Black Currant
Bloodroot
Blueberry
Bilberry
Bitter Melon
Borage Seed Oil
Boswellia
Black Soya Bean
Broccoli
Bromelain
Brown Seaweed
Brussels Sprout
Butterbur
Burdock
Cabbage
Cactus
Caffeine
Calcium
Calendula
Canola oil
Cauliflower
Cat's Claw
Cayenne
Celadrin
Celery
Chamomile
Chaparral
Cherry
Chokeberry
Chondroitin
Chitosan
Chlorophyll
Chromium
Cinnamon
CLA
Cocoa
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Coffee
Comfrey
Conj. Linoleic Acid
Colostrum
Colloidal Silver
Cordyceps
Corn
Cranberry
Creatine
Curcumin
Damiana
Dandelion
Danggui_Buxue
Devil's Claw
DHEA
Dill
Dong Quai
EGCG
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eucalyptus G.
Eve. Primrose Oil
Falcarinol
Fennel
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Folate
Fish Oil
Flaxseed /Linseed
Garcinia C.
Garlic
Galangal
Ghrelin
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginseng/Ginkgo
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Goldenseal
Gotu Kola
GRAPE SEED
EXTRACT
Green Coffee Bean
Green Tea
Growth Hormone
Stimulants
Goldenseal
Guar Gum
Guggul
Gymnema
Hawthorn
Hoodia
Hop
Horse Chestnut
Horsetail
Huperzine A
Hyaluronic acid
Isothiocyanates
Kava Kava
Kelp
L-arginine
Lavender
Lecithin
Lemon balm
Licorice
Lingonberry
Lutein
Lycopene
Maca
Maitake
Mango
Mangosteen
Marshmallow
Melatonin
Milk Thistle
Mistletoe
N-Acetylcysteine
Nattokinase
Nectarines
Octacosanol
Olive Oil
Omegic Fatty
Acids
Onion
Orange
Oregon Grape
Pantethine
Papaya
Passion Flower
PEANUT
Peach
Peony
Pepper
Peppermint
Persimmons
Phosphatidyl
serine
Phyllanthus
Potato
Plum
Pomegranate
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Propolis
Pumpkin
Pycnogenol
Pyruvate
Quercetin
Quince
Radish
Red Clover
Red Yeast Rice
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Rhubarb
Rice Bran Oil
Rosemary
Royal Jelly
Rutin
S-adenosyl-L-
methionine
Saffron
Saw Palmetto
Schisandra
Selenium
Spinach
Spirulina
Squash
Stinging Nettle
St John Wort
Strawberry
Sweet Potatoes
Taxifolin
Tea Tree Oil
Turmeric [Curry]
Tyrosine
Shark Cartilage
Soy
Stevia
Valerian
Vitamin D
Vitex
Walnuts
Watermelon
Whey
Wild Yam
Witch Hazel
Wormwood
Xylitol
Yarrow
Yohimbe
Yucca
5-Hydroxytrpto
phan

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Herb Side Effect
Green Coffee Bean Extracts
Chlorogenic acids (CGA) in green coffee bean extract (GCE)
reduce blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats
and humans. Researchers found no apparent side effects of
green coffee bean extract in dosing 28 subjects suffered from
mild hypertension with 140 mg/day of the extract. [1]
However, long-term studies are needed to ensure the safety.

Garlic Extracts
In a of spontaneously hypertensive rats, researchers found
both aged garlic extract and raw garlic extract reduced the
increased systolic blood pressure. However, researchers
also found that decreased amounts of erythrocytes and
increased amounts of reticulocytes in the animals taking the
raw garlic. [2] Thus, the users should watch out the possible
side effects of garlic supplements.

Ginkgo Biloba Extracts
Ginkgo biloba extract (Ginkgo) produced vasodilation via the
nitric oxide pathway in aortic segments isolated from Wistar
rats. Administration of ginkgo biloba extracts did not change
systolic blood pressure in Wistar Kyoto rats, but significantly
decreased systolic blood pressure in spontaneously
hypertensive rats. Together with a few basic studies,
researchers concluded that ginkgo biloba extracts enhanced
endothelium-dependent vasodilation and elevation of the
endothelial intracellular Ca(2+) level in spontaneously
hypertensive rats, resulting in hypotension. [3]

In a study, researchers administered an extract of ginkgo
biloba to stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats at 60
and 120 mg/kg each day for three weeks. They observed a
suppression of the age-related increase in blood pressure.
[11]

Yeast Extracts
Researchers isolated a peptide fraction KRF814 from the
hydrolysate of brewer's yeast and this KRF814 showed an
inhibitory effect on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in
vitro. The researchers fed male spontaneous hypertensive
rats with brewer's yeast BY-G and KRF814; they found the
systolic blood pressure was significantly decreased in the
rats. The active ingredients of KRF814, was about 60% of
the potency of captopril. [4]

Tomato Extracts
Tomato extract contains carotenoids such as lycopene, beta
carotene, and vitamin E, which are known as effective
antioxidants. Researchers found that a short-term treatment
with antioxidant-rich tomato extract can reduce blood
pressure in patients with grade-1 hypertension, naive to drug
therapy. [5]

Bulbus Fritillaria Water Extracts
In a study of rats treated with NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester
(high blood pressure inducer), Bulbus Fritillaria water extract
restored systolic blood pressure to normal level in rats. [6]

Vernonia Polyanthes Less. Extract
A rat study showed that oral crude Vernonia hydroalcoholic
extract decreased arterial blood pressure dose-dependently.
During the study, researchers observed a significant rise in
creatinine clearance and a fall in fractional post-proximal
sodium excretion. [7]

Green Tea Extract
In a study of isolated aortic strips of the normotensive rats,
green tea extract greatly inhibited the phenylephrine induced
contractile responses in a dose-dependent fashion. Green
tea extract at high concentrations could be able to also
depress the high potassium-induced contractile responses.
On the other hand, the key ingredient of green tea
(epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG, 12 microg/mL) failed to
affect the corresponding contractile responses. [8]

C. Sativus Petals Extracts
In a study of anaesthetized rats, extracts of C. sativus petals
reduced the blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner.
Administration of 50 mg/100 g of aqueous extract changed
the blood pressure from 133.5+/-3.9 to 117+/-2.1 (mmHg) in
the study. [9]

Olive Leaf Extract
A specially prepared olive leaf extract (EFLA 943) has been
shown for its blood pressure lowering activity in rats rendered
hypertensive by daily oral doses of L-NAME
(NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, 50 mg/kg) for at least 4
weeks. The findings confirm previous reports on the
hypotensive effects of olive leaf. [10]

Commiphora Opobalsamum Extract
The intravenous administration of 4 mg/kg of the aqueous
extract depressed systemic arterial blood pressure of
anaesthetized rats by 20% and reduced heart rate by 14%.
Pretreatment of atropine sulfate inhibited the hypotensive
effect of C. opobalsamum, suggesting its action was via the
activation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors. [12]

Clerodendron trichotomum Thunb
Clerodendron trichotomum Thunb. is a herb which has been
used for treatment of hypertension in Chinese medicine.
Acute oral administration of the extract reduced blood
pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats but not of
normotensive control rats. [13]

Researchers have demonstrated the benefits of dietary
flavonoids derived from the ethanolic extract of licorice root
against atherosclerotic lesion development in association
with inhibition of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation in
atherosclerotic mice. Furthermore, they found licorice extract
supplementation also reduced systolic blood pressure by
10%. [14]

Neem Leaf Extract
Intravenous administration of Neem leaf alcoholic extract
resulted in initial bradycardia and then cardiac arrhythmia in
rats. The side effect is too serious, do not take this extract
without doctor's recommendation. [15]

Root of Bredemeyera floribunda Willd
The infusion of the dried roots of Bredemeyera floribunda
Willd. is used in Brazilian popular medicine as a potent
diuretic for hypertension and nephrolithiasis (renal calculi).
Intravenous administration of crude root-extract (20-80
mg/kg) to anesthetized rats induces clear dose-dependent
and reversible hypotensive responses. However, it can lead
to bradycardia and death at high doses. Discuss with your
doctor about its toxic side effects before taking this herb. [16]

Extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa
Hibiscus sabdariffa caused a dose-dependent decrease in
mean arterial pressure of the rats. [17]

Curcuma Herbs
Curcuma herbs have shown of blood pressure lowering
effects and protective effect on the endothelium in
spontaneously hypertensive rats. The effects of C. longa,
which induces only endothelium-independent vasodilatation,
while C. zedoaria, which induces both
endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilatation in
spontaneously hypertensive rats. The mechanisms probably
involve a radical scavenging effect and improvement of
hemorheology. [18]

Yishenjiangyafang
Yishenjiangyafang is a prescription of Chinese traditional
herbs used for renal hypertension. It reduced blood pressure
in a rat study. [19]

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ZHION 2007. THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY.
CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEOFORE TAKING ANY SUPPLEMENTS OR HERBAL
PRODUCTS. THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THESE PRODUCTS CAN BE SERIOUS,
ESPECIALLY WHEN THE USERS OVERDOSE THEMSELVIES.

REFERENCE

[1] Watanabe T, et al, The blood pressure-lowering effect and safety of chlorogenic acid
from green coffee bean extract in essential hypertension. Clin Exp Hypertens. 2006
Jul;28(5):439-49. [2] Harauma A, Moriguchi T. Aged garlic extract improves blood
pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats more safely than raw garlic. J Nutr. 2006
Mar;136(3 Suppl):769S-773S. [3] Kubota Y, et al, Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on
blood pressure and vascular endothelial response by acetylcholine in spontaneously
hypertensive rats. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2006 Feb;58(2):243-9. [4] Kanauchi O, et al, A
yeast extract high in bioactive peptides has a blood-pressure lowering effect in
hypertensive model. Curr Med Chem. 2005;12(26):3085-90. [5] Engelhard YN, et al,
Natural antioxidants from tomato extract reduce blood pressure in patients with grade-1
hypertension: a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Am Heart J. 2006
Jan;151(1):100. [6] Kang DG, et al, Effects of bulbus Fritillaria water extract on blood
pressure and renal functions in the L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. J Ethnopharmacol.
2004 Mar;91(1):51-6. [7] Romanezi da Silveira R, et al, Effect of the crude extract of
Vernonia polyanthes Less. on blood pressure and renal sodium excretion in
unanesthetized rats. Phytomedicine. 2003 Mar;10(2-3):127-31. [8] Lim DY, et al,
Comparison of green tea extract and epigallocatechin gallate on blood pressure and
contractile responses of vascular smooth muscle of rats. Arch Pharm Res. 2003
Mar;26(3):214-23. [9] Fatehi M, et al, Effects of Crocus sativus petals' extract on rat blood
pressure and on responses induced by electrical field stimulation in the rat isolated vas
deferens and guinea-pig ileum. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Feb;84(2-3):199-203. [10]
Khayyal MT, et al, Blood pressure lowering effect of an olive leaf extract (Olea europaea)
in L-NAME induced hypertension in rats. Arzneimittelforschung. 2002;52(11):797-802.
[11] Sasaki Y, et al, Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on cerebral thrombosis
and blood pressure in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats. Clin Exp Pharmacol
Physiol. 2002 Nov;29(11):963-7. [12] Abdul-Ghani AS, Amin R. Effect of aqueous extract
of Commiphora opobalsamum on blood pressure and heart rate in rats. J
Ethnopharmacol. 1997 Aug;57(3):219-22. [13] Lu GW, Effects of extract from
Clerodendron trichotomum on blood pressure and renal function in rats and dogs. J
Ethnopharmacol. 1994 Apr;42(2):77-82. [14] Fuhrman B, et al,  Antiatherosclerotic effects
of licorice extract supplementation on hypercholesterolemic patients: increased
resistance of LDL to atherogenic modifications, reduced plasma lipid levels, and
decreased systolic blood pressure. Nutrition. 2002 Mar;18(3):268-73. [15] Koley KM, Lal J.
Pharmacological effects of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract on the ECG and blood
pressure of rat. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 1994 Jul;38(3):223-5. [16] Bevevino LH, et al,
Effect of crude extract of roots of Bredemeyera floribunda Willd. I. Effect on arterial blood
pressure and renal excretion in the rat. J Ethnopharmacol. 1994 Jul 22;43(3):197-201.
[17] Adegunloye BJ, et al, Mechanisms of the blood pressure lowering effect of the calyx
extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa in rats. Afr J Med Med Sci. 1996 Sep;25(3):235-8. [18] Goto
H, et al, Effect of curcuma herbs on vasomotion and hemorheology in spontaneously
hypertensive rat. Am J Chin Med. 2005;33(3):449-57. [19] Chen ML, et al,  Effects of
yishenjiangyafang on blood pressure and protecting renal function in RPH rats Zhongguo
Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2003 Aug;28(8):746-51.