Place of herbal products in hypertension treatment

Abstract

Hypertension, which can lead to serious complications, is an important health problem that is widespread worldwide. Although its pathogenesis is still not fully understood, lifestyle modification, appropriate diet and drug therapy can control hypertension. But, this treatment approach should be continued for lifelong. Therefore, various alternative treatment approaches have been developed as a hope against this lifelong treatment approach. Some fruits and vegetables such as garlic, green tea and citrus products are the main herbal products used in the treatment of hypertension. Some of the harmful chemicals that originate from many sources may accumulate in living beings like plants. Therefore, herbal products claimed to be natural may not be safe. Especially herbal products used as tea may contain various toxic metals besides beneficial nutrients, so even serious poisoning may occur. Thus, all novel treatment methods including phytotherapy must be evidence-based and they should not contradict ethical rules.

Keywords

• herbal products
• hypertension
• alternative medicine
• treatment