Pharmaceutical Properties of Sour Tea: Treatment for Hypertension
Table 3. Hibiscus sabdariffa pharmacokinetic and drug interactions.
Medication Model Pharmacokinetic and drug interactions Ref.
Captopril Animal HS aqueous extract changed the pharmacokinetic profile 48
50
Simvastatin Human/Rat Reduced Tc better than simvastatin and improved antihyperlipidemic activity
51
Hydrochlorothiazide Animal -
Co-administration of Z. officinale or H. sabdariffa with amlodipine increased its 52
Amlodipine Human
pharmacodynamic response
53
Losartan Rat Clinical trial required for further results
The interactions between some antihypertensive Herbal Preparations for Hypertension
medicines and herbal teas are summarized in Table 3. It Taking antihypertensive medications has inherent side
shows that the simultaneous use of herbal and synthetic effects and restrictions. Conversely, the consumption
medications to control blood pressure should be adopted of herbal medicines can be a great choice with reduced
with caution. Moreover, based on research results and adverse effects if used in proper amounts.5,57 Uncontrolled
due to the lack of experimental work, further clinical trial hypertension can also lead to other conditions such as
studies are recommended. blindness, congestive heart failure, and kidney diseases.
Conventional antihypertensive drugs are commonly
Hypertension Medications associated with several side effects, some that can be serious.
Numerous blood pressure medications, known as anti- Thus, the use of herbal medicines has been popular since
hypertensives, for reducing high blood pressure (HBP) are ancient times.58 This section includes the introduction
accessible by prescription. There are several classes of high of some of the most important herbal remedies for high
blood pressure medications which contain many different blood pressure. Allium sativum (Garlic) has multi-fold
drugs, the most important of which include diuretics, beta- beneficial effects that have been known for thousands of
blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, years by different cultures worldwide and have attracted the
angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel interest of health practitioners and pharmacologists. Garlic
blockers, alpha-blockers, alpha-beta-blockers, central is recognized not only for its antihypertensive capabilities,
agonists, vasodilators, aldosterone receptor antagonists, but also its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial,
and direct renin inhibitors. antioxidant, and hypocholesterolemic properties.59
As shown in Table 4, a variety of drug groups are used Increased flow-mediated dilation (FMD) after consumption
for the treatment of HBP.54-56 It is noteworthy that the side of Camellia sinensis was investigated.60 Coriandrum
effects of the mentioned drugs are, in some cases, severe and sativum is one of the critical antihypertensive plants.
problematic. Therefore, researchers and pharmacists are Inactivated ROS produced by β-adrenoceptor stimulation
always seeking alternative remedies. Herbal preparations was reported as the main mechanism.61 Consumption of
seem to be a good option, according to the results of Salvia miltiorrhiza decreases ROS, increases antioxidants,
various studies, and in most cases, they show no side serum glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase
effects; however, they may have low therapeutic properties. (GSSG-R), superoxide dismutase (SOD), paraoxonase
(PONase), and reduces blood pressure.62 Zingiber officinale
inhibits lipid peroxidation and scavenges ROS toward
Table 4. Antihypertensive drugs and their side effects.
Group Drugs Side effects Ref.
Chlorthalidone, Chlorothiazide Increase blood sugar levels; decrease body
Diuretics
Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide, Metolazone supply of potassium
Enalapril maleate, Lisinopril, Moexipril, Ramipril, Skin rash, ageusia, chronic dry, hacking
ACE inhibitors
Trandolapril cough, kidney damage (in rare cases)
Candesartan, Eprosartan mesylate, Irbesarten,
ARBs Occasional dizziness, fetus disorders
Telmisartan
Calcium channel Heart palpitations, swollen ankles
Amlodipine besylate, Bepridil, Felodipine, Nicardipine
blockers constipation, headache dizziness 54-56
Doxazosin mesylate, Prazosin hydrochloride,
Alpha-blockers Tachycardia, dizziness
Terazosin hydrochloride
Alpha methyldopa, Clonidine hydrochloride, Feeling weak or faint, drowsiness or
Central agonists
Guanabenz acetate sluggishness, dryness of mouth, fever, anemia
Headaches, excessive hair growth, swelling
Vasodilators Hydralazine hydrochloride, Minoxidil around the eyes, heart palpitations, aches and
pains in joints
ACE: Angiotensin converting enzyme, ARBs: Angiotensin II receptor blockers.
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