Evaluation of the Efficacy, Safety, and Mechanism of Action of Plants Traditionally Used in the Treatment of Hypertension in Turkey


Ekici M., TUNCAY H. O., AKALIN E., Yaman Bucak A., Üresin A. Y.

JOURNAL OF HERBAL MEDICINE, cilt.43, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
  • Cilt numarası: 43
  • Basım Tarihi: 2024
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.hermed.2023.100835
  • Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF HERBAL MEDICINE
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Clinical studies, Ethnobotany, Hypertension, Medicinal plants, Turkey
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Introduction:Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of premature death and hence an important public health problem. Hypertension is the most prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Herbal medicines, a complementary approach for treating hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, have been traditionally used worldwide for many years, either alone or in combination. In order to understand the mechanisms of antihypertensive action of plants, the mechanisms that are effective in the development of hypertension should be examined. In this study, the mechanisms of action of traditionally used plants on hypertension and the efficacy and safety of these plants were investigated. Methods: Based on ethnobotanical studies and surveys, 15 plants commonly used in Turkey were selected. The data on these plants obtained from various literature sources were compiled for this study. Results: As a result of the evaluation of ethnobotanical studies and surveys, 15 commonly used medicinal plants were selected: Allium sativum, Crataegus spp., Olea europaea, Punica granatum, Nigella sativa, Camellia sinensis, Citrus spp., Melissa officinalis, Urtica dioica, Viscum album, Lavandula stoechas, Petroselinum crispum, Rosa canina, Teucrium polium, and Tribulus terrestris. The data obtained from various literature sources about these 15 medicinal plants were compiled for this study. In addition to the general uses of these plants, preclinical and clinical studies were examined to elucidate the pharmacological action mechanisms of compounds that may be effective against hypertension. Drug interactions, contraindications, and side effect profiles were investigated to evaluate their safety. Conclusions: Clinical studies on the use of plants in hypertension are insufficient, and more clinical studies are needed to prove their efficacy and safety in humans.