Nutraceuticals with Blood Pressure Lowering Potential: A Summary of Clinically Relevant Information

Abstract

Nearly half of patients diagnosed with hypertension are unable to keep their blood pressure under control despite pharmacologic intervention, indicating a need for adjunctive anti-hypertensive therapies [1]. Nutraceuticals may be a promising option for intervention due to their ease of implementation and demonstrated efficacy [2-4]. The use of nutraceuticals clinically has thus far been limited by a lack of guidelines, likely stemming from a history of poor regulatory standards that allow supplements to go on the market before rigorous clinical trials are conducted [5]. Recently, research examining nutraceutical use has begun to catch up with the marketplace, which may allow for clinical use of supplements from reputable companies, such as those approved by third party companies such as National Science Foundation (NSF) International [5]. The following review aims to facilitate the translation of research into clinical application by summarizing the current knowledge on nutraceuticals used as anti-hypertensives. Web-based guidelines from the American Association of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Heart Association (AHA), American Stroke Association, American College of Cardiology (ACC), National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, European Cardiology Society, the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the Mayo Clinic were examined. Nutraceuticals recommended by two or more of these organizations were reviewed, including garlic, fish oil, and cocoa. Specific details on dosage, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse effects, and drug-herb interactions are discussed in order to summarize clinically relevant information.