Herbs and management of hypertension: Claims, criticism, and challenges

Abstract

Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting over 30% of the adult population globally, with a growing incidence rate. This article aims to identify the commonly used herbs for HTN treatment and examine their claims, criticisms, and challenges. It further aims to provide useful recommendations regarding the use of herbs for HTN treatment. HTN complications, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, vision impairment, and renal failure can result in morbidity and mortality. The high cost of conventional medications, which sometimes may not even be available or easily accessible with their unfavorable side effects as well as taking more than one pill per day, has led hypertensive patients, particularly those in rural areas, to explore alternative treatments such as herbal therapies. It is crucial to determine the different modes of action, doses, safety, and efficacy of herbal remedies used in combination with conventional medications to improve treatment adherence and enhance patient outcomes.