Lowering blood pressure effect of Apium graviolens (Seledri) and orthosiphon stamineus benth (kumis kucing) in mild and moderate hypertension

Abstract

In Indonesia Apium graviolens and Orthosiphon stamineus benth have been used to as traditional medicines to lower blood pressure. Since at present time is available as a combination of those phytopharmaca in the market, therefore, it is necessary to conduct a study to evaluate the effectivity and side effects of those phytopharmaca toward hypertensive subjects. A randomized double blind controlled trial was conducted at area of Monica - Jakarta in South of Jakarta from 3 July until 29 October 2001 toward mild and moderate hypertensive subjects. The first group (72 subjects) received phytopharmaca (Tensigard8 which contains Apium graviolens and Orthosiphon stamineus benth) 3 x 250 mg, while the second group (70 subjects) had Amlodipine 1 x 5 mg. Observation were conducted for 12 weeks, and the parameter observed were systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), plasma lipid, blood glucose before and after treatment, and electrolyte with two week intervals. The Results revealed that the phytopharmaca treatment for 12 weeks lowered SBP and DBP equivalent to Amlodipine (SBP 24.72 ± 1.63 mmHg vs 26.27 ± 2.18 mmHg; P > 0,05; DBP 10.00 ±0.96 mmHg vs 9.49 ± 1.37 mmHg; P > 0.05). Phytopharmaca treatment for 12 weeks did not influence plasma electrolyte, as well blood glucose levels. There was not a significant side effects noted for both phytopharmaca and Amlodipine during the study period. In conclusion, the trial reveals that the phytopharmaca lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure equivalent with Amlodipine among mild and moderate hypertensive subjects. During the study period there was not a significant side effect noted.