1,2,3,4,5,6School of Phamacy, Dr. Subhash University, Junagadh (362001), Gujarat, India.
7Department of Pharmaceuties, B. K. Mody Government Pharmacy College, Rajkot (360003).
Background: Hypertension is a significant global health concern and a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. While conventional antihypertensive drugs are widely used, they often cause side effects, leading to an increasing interest in plant-based alternatives. Traditional medicine has long utilized medicinal plants for managing hypertension, with various species demonstrating promising blood pressure-lowering effects. Objective: This review examines medicinal plants with antihypertensive properties, emphasizing their therapeutic potential, mechanisms of action, and pharmacological significance. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify medicinal plants with documented hypotensive effects. Studies investigating their bioactive compounds and mechanisms, including diuretic action, calcium channel blockade, nitric oxide (NO) modulation, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition, were analysed. Key Findings: Several medicinal plants, such as Allium sativum (garlic), Nigella sativa (black cumin), Bidens pilosa (black-jack), and Tribulus terrestris, exhibit significant antihypertensive effects. Their mechanisms of action include vasodilation, inhibition of ACE, and antioxidant activity, contributing to improved vascular health. These plants offer potential as complementary or alternative therapies for hypertension, with fewer side effects compared to conventional medications. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm their safety, efficacy, and optimal dosages.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a major public health concern, contributing significantly to morbidity and premature mortality worldwide. Among these, hypertension (HTN), often termed the “silent killer,” is one of the most prevalent risk factors for cardiovascular complications. It arises due to a complex interplay of genetic predisposition and environmental influences, disrupting the body's natural mechanisms for blood pressure regulation [1,2]. Hypertension is a primary contributor to acute myocardial infarction and is responsible for a substantial percentage of global deaths annually. Clinically, it is defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of ≥140 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of ≥90 mm Hg, based on multiple seated BP measurements. Although a wide range of antihypertensive medications is available—including diuretics, calcium channel blockers, renin inhibitors, beta-blockers, and vasodilators—these drugs are often associated with adverse effects such as fatigue, dizziness, kidney dysfunction, and electrolyte imbalances [3,4,5,6,7]. The increasing interest in alternative medicine has led to a renewed focus on herbal therapies for cardiovascular conditions. A significant portion of the global population, particularly in developing countries, relies on medicinal plants due to their affordability, biocompatibility, and lower risk of side effects compared to synthetic pharmaceuticals. Traditional systems of medicine, such as Persian medicine, have long recognized the therapeutic potential of natural products. Historical figures like Avicenna and Rhazes documented numerous herbal treatments for cardiovascular ailments, many of which have contributed to modern drug development [8,9,10,11]. This review aims to explore various medicinal plants with antihypertensive properties, highlighting their potential role in managing hypertension and providing insight into their mechanisms of action.
Pathophysiology of Hypertension
Hypertension (HTN) primarily develops due to increased vascular resistance, which results from vascular contraction and arterial remodeling. Several physiological and molecular mechanisms contribute to its progression, including activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, vasopressin release, and dysregulation of G protein-coupled receptor signaling. Additionally, inflammatory processes, T-cell dysfunction, and the release of vasoactive peptides from endothelial and smooth muscle cells further exacerbate blood pressure elevation [12,13]. Endothelial dysfunction plays a crucial role in HTN pathogenesis, often involving an imbalance between pro-oxidant enzymes and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). This imbalance leads to increased arterial reactivity and reduced vasodilatory capacity. Additionally, elevated intracellular calcium levels through calcium channels, along with vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) hyperplasia and hypertrophy, contribute to excessive vasoconstriction [14]. Another key factor in HTN progression is increased vascular stiffness, which is strongly associated with complications such as atherosclerosis. This highlights the importance of therapeutic strategies that target vascular compliance in addition to reducing peripheral vascular resistance. Angiotensin II (Ang II), a central component of RAAS, promotes cell cycle progression and vascular remodeling, further intensifying arterial changes. Moreover, genetic mutations affecting renal sodium excretion, abnormalities in Na+/Ca2+ exchange within arterial smooth muscle cells, and neurohormonal vasoconstrictive mechanisms have been identified as additional contributors to hypertension development [15,16,17,18].
Herbal Medicines for The Treatment of Hypertension
While conventional antihypertensive medications effectively lower blood pressure, they are often associated with adverse effects, prompting interest in alternative therapeutic approaches. Scientific studies suggest that incorporating medicinal plants alongside lifestyle modifications may serve as a complementary strategy for hypertension (HTN) management. Many herbs and spices contain bioactive secondary metabolites with antihypertensive properties. These compounds exert their effects through various mechanisms, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. Additionally, they enhance endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, leading to increased nitric oxide (NO) production, which plays a crucial role in vasodilation. Some herbal medicines also regulate endothelial permeability and promote angiogenesis, further contributing to vascular health and blood pressure regulation [19,20]. The specific mechanisms by which medicinal plants or their extracts aid in hypertension management are illustrated in Figure 1
Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing the mechanism of some medicinal plant or their extract in the management of Hypertension.
Table 1 Effective medicinal plants on Hypertension
Herb |
Mechanism of Action |
Part Used |
Dose |
Ajwain (Carum copticum)[26] |
- Blocks calcium channels - Cholinomimetic effects - Vasodilation of coronary arteries - Lowers systemic blood pressure |
Leaves, Seed-like fruit |
1-30 mg/kg |
Bindii (Tribulus terrestris)[27] |
- Increases NO - Reduces ACE - Inhibits Ang II-induced proliferation |
Leaves, Aqueous extract of fruits |
0.3–15 mg/mL |
Black Cumin (Nigella sativa)[28] |
- Reduces cardiac oxidative stress - Decreases angiotensin-converting enzyme activity - Enhances cardiac heme oxygenase-1 activity - Prevents plasma nitric oxide loss |
Seed oil |
100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg |
Black-Jack (Bidens pilosa L.)[29] |
- Acts as calcium channel antagonist |
Leaves |
75 and 150 mg/kg |
Burdock (Arctium lappa)[30] |
- Suppresses VCAM-1 in aortic endothelial cells - Promotes vasorelaxation |
Root |
100 and 200 mg/kg/day |
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) [24,31] |
- Blocks calcium channels - Increases urine output - Enhances sodium and potassium excretion |
Crude |
3 g/day |
Celery (Apium graveolens)[32] |
- Lowers levels of circulating catecholamines - Reduces vascular resistance - Blocks calcium channels |
Seeds |
300 mg/kg |
Chinese Sage (Salvia miltiorrhizae)[33] |
- Increases NO - Opens KATP channels - Blocks calcium channels - Reduces ACE activity |
Dried root |
0–10 mg/mL |
Cocoa Bean (Theobroma cacao)[34] |
- Upregulates NO - Promotes vasodilation - Improves endothelial function |
Cocoa bean |
40 - 105 g |
Garden Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.)[35] |
- Downregulates ACE - Increases NO - Decreases aldosterone - Reduces renal sodium/potassium pump - Increases urine volume |
Seeds, Leaves, Flowers |
10-300 mg/kg |
Garlic (Allium sativum)[25,36] |
- Relaxes blood vessels - Reduces blood clotting ability - Increases NO - Inhibits ACE - Prevents Ang-II-induced cell cycle progression |
Fruits |
300–1500 mg/day |
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)[21,37,50] |
- Blocks calcium channels - Promotes vasodilation |
Root |
70–140 mg/kg |
Ginseng (genus Panax)[38] |
- Enhances NO and cGMP levels - Has anti-proliferative effects on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) |
Root |
3 g/day |
Japanese Thistle (Cirsium japonicum)[39] |
- Induces vasorelaxation - Elevates NO levels - Acts as an antagonist for the AT1 receptor |
Whole plant |
0.05–0.4 mg/mL |
Onion (Allium cepa)[40,47] |
- Improves artery elasticity - Decreases blood viscosity - Interacts with the Renin-Angiotensin System - Enhances endothelial and vascular function |
Fruits |
400 mg/kg/day |
Pomegranate (Punica granatum)[41] |
- Enhances endothelium-dependent coronary relaxation - Inhibits calcium influx - Reduces ACE activity |
Fruits |
50 mL/day |
Radish (Raphanus sativus)[42] |
- Increases NO production |
Seeds, Leaves, Root |
30 and 90 mg/kg |
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa)[43] |
- Enhances NO production - Inhibits calcium channels - Opens KATP channels |
Leaves, Flowers |
250 mg–10 g/day |
Saffron (Crocus sativus) [23,44] |
- Activates eNOS - Blocks calcium channels |
Stigma |
400 mg |
Sumac (Rhus coriaria)[45] |
- Evokes endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation - Activates eNOS |
Leaves, Fruits (red berries) |
0.3–300 μg/mL |
Tea (Camellia sinensis)[46] |
-Inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme -Blocks Ca2+ channels -Diuretic -Enhances eNOS activity |
Leaves |
3 cups/day |
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) [22,47] |
-Interference with Ca2+ concentration -Reduces ACE activity -Reduces AT1 receptor expression -Increase vasodilation -Increase No production |
Root
|
50-100 mg/kg/d |
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)[48] |
- Rich in potassium: helps regulate sodium balance and lower blood pressure - Contains magnesium and fiber: supports vascular health - Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress, a contributor to hypertension |
Fruit (fresh/raw) |
200–300g raw fruit daily - 200–250 ml fresh juice |
Plants
1.Allium sativum (Garlic)[25,36]
Garlic (Allium sativum L.) belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is derived from its bulb. Native to Central Asia, it has long been used in traditional medicine for cardiovascular health.
Mechanism of Action
Garlic lowers blood pressure through multiple pathways:
Therapeutic Benefits
Regular garlic intake helps reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, prevents cardiovascular diseases, and supports endothelial function.
Key Compounds
The antihypertensive effects are attributed to allicin (formed from alliin when crushed), diallyl disulfide (DADS), diallyl trisulfide (DATS), S-allyl cysteine (SAC), flavonoids, saponins, and essential minerals like selenium and manganese.
Figure 2. Structure of Allicin
Dosage
2.Carum copticum (Ajwain) [26]
Carum copticum (Trachyspermum ammi), from the Apiaceae family, is obtained from its dried seeds. Native to Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean, it is widely cultivated in India, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Mechanism of Action
Ajwain helps lower blood pressure through:
Therapeutic Benefits
Ajwain is traditionally used in Ayurveda for cardiovascular and digestive health. It may reduce hypertension, support lipid metabolism, and prevent arterial damage.
Key Compounds
The active constituents include thymol (primary bioactive compound), p-cymene, γ-terpinene, β-pinene, limonene, carvacrol, flavonoids, and glycosides.
Figure 3. Structure of Thymol
Dosage
3.Tribulus terrestris (Bindii) [27]
Tribulus terrestris, commonly known as Bindii or Puncture Vine, belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family. Native to warm temperate and tropical regions, it is widely found in India, China, the Mediterranean, and parts of Africa and Australia.
Mechanism of Action
Therapeutic Benefits
Tribulus terrestris is used in traditional medicine to manage hypertension, support cardiovascular health, reduce cholesterol, and enhance libido.
Key Compounds
The plant contains protodioscin (a steroidal saponin), tribulosin, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroidal glycosides, tannins, and resins.
Figure 4. Structure of Protodioscin
Dosage
4.Nigella sativa (Black Cumin) [28]
Nigella sativa, commonly known as Black Cumin, belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. It is native to South and Southwest Asia and cultivated in the Middle East, North Africa, Southern Europe, and India.
Mechanism of Action
Therapeutic Benefits
Key Compounds:
Thymoquinone (main active component), nigellone, p-cymene, carvacrol, α-pinene, flavonoids, and fatty acids (linoleic & oleic acids).
Figure 5. Structure of Thymoquinone
Dosage
5.Elettaria cardamomum (Cardamom) [31]
Cardamom, from the Zingiberaceae family, is native to India's Western Ghats and cultivated in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Tanzania, and Guatemala.
Mechanism of Action
Therapeutic Benefits
Key Compounds
Volatile oils (cineole, α-terpineol), flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), sterols, phenolic acids (caffeic acid), and alkaloids.
Figure 6. Structure of Cineole
Dosage
6.Theobroma cacao (Cocoa) [34]
Cocoa, from the Malvaceae family, originates from the Amazon Basin and Central America and is widely cultivated in West Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Americas.
Mechanism of Action
Therapeutic Benefits
Key Compounds
Flavonoids (catechins, epicatechin), theobromine, caffeine, polyphenols, fatty acids (stearic acid, oleic acid).
Figure 7. Structure of Epicatechin
Dosage
DISCUSSION:
Several medicinal plants contribute to hypertension management through diverse mechanisms such as nitric oxide (NO) enhancement, calcium channel inhibition, ACE suppression, and antioxidant properties. Ajwain (Carum copticum), garlic (Allium sativum), and ginger (Zingiber officinale) promote vasodilation and calcium channel blockade, leading to reduced vascular resistance. Tribulus terrestris and Salvia miltiorrhizae enhance NO levels and inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), while black cumin (Nigella sativa) and saffron (Crocus sativus) exert cardioprotective effects through oxidative stress reduction. Plants like celery (Apium graveolens), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), and garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) exhibit diuretic properties, aiding sodium and potassium excretion. Similarly, tea (Camellia sinensis), cocoa bean (Theobroma cacao), and pomegranate (Punica granatum) improve endothelial function and promote vasodilation. Onion (Allium cepa) and Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) regulate blood pressure by enhancing arterial elasticity and inhibiting calcium influx. These natural remedies highlight the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals in hypertension treatment, though further research is required for standardization and clinical validation.
CONCLUSION:
Medicinal plants offer promising alternatives for hypertension management through mechanisms like nitric oxide enhancement, calcium channel inhibition, ACE suppression, and diuretic effects. Herbs such as garlic, black cumin, cardamom, and hibiscus have shown significant antihypertensive potential, improving vascular health and reducing oxidative stress. While these natural remedies present fewer side effects compared to synthetic drugs, further clinical studies are necessary to standardize dosages and establish their long-term efficacy. Integrating these plant-based therapies with conventional treatments could enhance cardiovascular health and provide holistic hypertension management.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
We are thankful to Dr. Subhash University for providing guidance and support for this review work.
REFERENCES
Payal Vaja*, Hiral Popaniya, Dilip Ghusar, Vivek Solanki, Siddhi Upadhyay, Harsh Madiya, Chetan Borkhataria, Natural Hypertension Remedies: A Review of Medicinal Plant Efficacy, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2025, Vol 3, Issue 4, 871-883 https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15173728