Abstract

Afshan Ara*, Dixit Panwar, Muskan, Ishani Pathania, Geetanjli, Dikshit Gautam, Riya, Vishav Kiran and Taruna Koundal

ABSTRACT

Background: Hypertension represents a major global health issue, leading to cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and various serious complications. Its development is influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, which require ongoing management strategies. Although traditional pharmaceutical treatments like beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics are commonly prescribed, they frequently come with side effects. As a result, there has been increasing interest in herbal medicine as a possible alternative or complementary approach for managing hypertension, given its cost-effectiveness, availability, and therapeutic benefits. Objectives: This review intends to examine different medicinal plants that possess antihypertensive properties, focusing on their mechanisms of action, effectiveness, and potential roles in managing hypertension. Additionally, it aims to address the challenges related to the use of herbal remedies and the necessity for further research to confirm their therapeutic benefits. Method: A thorough literature review was performed on medicinal plants that have been traditionally utilized for managing hypertension. Different sources, such as clinical studies, pharmacological research, and references in traditional medicine, were examined to assess the effectiveness and mechanisms of action of these plants. Result: The review emphasizes the effectiveness of various medicinal plants in managing hypertension through mechanisms such as vasodilation, diuresis, antioxidant activity, and inhibition of the renin- angiotensin-aldosterone system. Multiple studies validate the potential of herbal remedies including garlic, ginger, turmeric, and hawthorn in lowering both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Nonetheless, challenges to their broader acceptance include variability in bioactive compounds, absence of standardized dosages, and a lack of large-scale clinical trials. Despite these obstacles, advancements in technology and interdisciplinary research efforts are continuously improving the credibility and effectiveness of herbal medicine in the management of hypertension. Challenges: Herbal medicines, despite their potential benefits, encounter several challenges, including a lack of standardization, variability in bioactive compounds, and possible interactions with conventional drugs. Furthermore, the lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials hampers their acceptance in mainstream medicine. To resolve these issues, it is crucial to undertake thorough scientific evaluations and enforce regulatory oversight to guarantee both safety and efficacy. Conclusion: Herbal medicines, despite their potential benefits, encounter several challenges, including a lack of standardization, variability in bioactive compounds, and possible interactions with conventional drugs. Furthermore, the lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials hampers their acceptance in mainstream medicine. To resolve these issues, it is crucial to undertake thorough scientific evaluations and enforce regulatory oversight to guarantee both safety and efficacy.