Plants and Phytochemicals for Prevention and Cure of Hypertension

Traditional medicinal plants have served as crucial therapeutic agents for managing hypertension, particularly in resource-constrained regions across the globe. This study undertook a comprehensive literature review, drawing from esteemed books encompassing medicine, phytomedicine, pharmacognosy, pharmacology, and peer-reviewed research articles. In the realm of folk medicine, a myriad of herbs containing potent bioactive compounds have been historically employed for their efficacy in combating high blood pressure. Among these, notable plants such as Urtica dioica, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Achillea millefolium, Apium graveolens and Musanga cecropioides have garnered attention for their traditional use in hypertension management. Particularly noteworthy are plants sourced from the Unani medicine system, which have demonstrated pronounced efficacy in blood pressure regulation. Nonetheless, there remains a considerable scope for scientific inquiry into lesser-explored medicinal plants and their constituent compounds, with an emphasis on elucidating their antihypertensive properties while mitigating potential adverse effects. Future research endeavors should thus prioritize the exploration and validation of such botanical resources to augment the armamentarium against hypertension with minimal side effects, especially in populations with limited access to conventional pharmaceutical interventions.