Eating right is an important part of healthy blood flow. Herbs for cardiac health can include tonic and hypotensive herbs and oils such as ginkgo, garlic, oats, hawthorn and oregano. These herbs show potential in reducing blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
- Atherosclerosis is a narrowing of the arteries due to fatty deposits (cholesterol), thus increasing blood pressure, and ultimately constricting blood flow.
- Angina is chest pain resulting from the heart muscle being starved of oxygen. This can result in a heart attach.
- High blood pressure – Narrowed blood vessels force the heart to work harder to pump the blood throughout the body. This may be increased with smoking, eating fatty foods, drinking alcohol, being overweight, and not exercising. Stress can also have an effect. Hypotensive herbs have the potential to lower blood pressure. Consult with a Doctor on the medication interactions of certain herbs before use.
Recipes for Cardiac Health
Blog Articles
RESEARCH
The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study. This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use of any herb listed.
ACAI BERRIES
- Acai berries, rich in plant sterols, may help vasodilate and relax blood vessels to reduce blood pressure. From: Rocha, A. P. M., Carvalho, L. C. R. M., Sousa, M. A. V., Madeira, S. F., Sousa, P. J. C., Tano, T., … & De Moura, R. S. (2007). Endothelium-dependent vasodilator effect of Euterpe oleracea Mart.(Acai) extracts in mesenteric vascular bed of the rat. Vascular Pharmacology, 46(2), 97-104.
- Intake of acaii berry extracts had a hypertensive effect in vivo. From: Rocha, A. P. M., Resende, A. C., Souza, M. A. V., Carvalho, L. C. R. M., Sousa, P. J. C., Tano, T., … & Soares De Moura, R. (2008). Antihypertensive effects and antioxidant action of a hydro-alcoholic extract obtained from fruits of Euterpe oleracea Mart.(Açaí). J Pharmacol Toxicol, 3(6), 435-448.
AJOWAN
- In a study of 200 patients with stable angina, the group taking an ajowan supplement over 6 weeks showed a significant reduction in symptoms. Symptoms measured included: chest pain, chest tightness, difficulty in breathing, nausea, light headedness and anxiety. From: Ahmad, M. (2017). Community Based, Multicentered, Randomized, Double Blinded, Placebo controlled Clinical trial of Trachyspermum Copticum Extract Against Stable Angina. Annals of King Edward Medical University, 23(3).
ALFALFA
- Hypolipidemic and antiangiogenic activities of alfalfa were discussed. From: Ma, Ma, Q. G., Li, T., Wei, R. R., Liu, W. M., Sang, Z. P., & Song, Z. W. (2016). Characterization of chalcones from Medicago sativa L. and their hypolipidemic and antiangiogenic activities. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 64(43), 8138-8145.Q. G., Li, T., Wei, R. R., Liu, W. M., Sang, Z. P., & Song, Z. W. (2016). Characterization of chalcones from Medicago sativa L. and their hypolipidemic and antiangiogenic activities. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 64(43), 8138-8145.
- Cardioprotective attributes of alfalfa were reviewed. From: Gomathi, R. (2016). Cardioprotective Effect of the Ethanolic Extract of Medicago sativa Leaves.
BASIL
- Ocimum sanctum protected rat hearts from chronic restraint stress induced changes. From: Sood, S., Narang, D., Thomas, M. K., Gupta, Y. K., & Maulik, S. K. (2006). Effect of Ocimum sanctum Linn. on cardiac changes in rats subjected to chronic restraint stress. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 108(3), 423-427.
- In animal studies, O. sanctum (holy basil) lowered blood pressure, thinned blood, and increased sleep time. From: Singh, S., Rehan, H. M. S., & Majumdar, D. K. (2001). Effect of Ocimum sanctum fixed oil on blood pressure, blood clotting time and pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 78(2), 139-143.
- In a study of 50 young hypotensive female adults, taking fresh juice from 15 tulsi leaves twice a day for 4 weeks helped improve blood pressure. From: Bhargava, A., Gangwar, L., & Grewal, H. S. (2013). To study the effect of holy basil leaves on low blood pressure (hypotension) women aged 18–30 years. In International Conference on Food and Agricultural Sciences (Vol. 55, No. 16, pp. 83-86).
- In a study with 100 adults, taking a tulsi supplement (5 mL 2 times a day for 3 months) reduced blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid profile. From: Devra, D. K., Mathur, K. C., Agrawal, R. P., Bhadu, I., Goyal, S., & Agarwal, V. (2012). Effect of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) on clinical and biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome. Journal of Natural Remedies, 12(1), 63-67.
BAYBERRY
- Isolates from the bayberry affected binding to rat cardiac membranes, increased intracellular free calcium concentration of fibroblasts, and induced contraction of rat aortic strips. From: Fujimoto, M., Mihara, S. I., Nakajima, S., Ueda, M., Nakamura, M., & Sakurai, K. S. (1992). A novel non-peptide endothelin antagonist isolated from bayberry, Myrica cerifera. FEBS letters, 305(1), 41-44.
BERGAMOT
- Bergamot is a natural antioxidant that may be relevant in the treatment of vascular disorders. From: Mollace, V., Ragusa, S., Sacco, I., Muscoli, C., Sculco, F., Visalli, V., … & Rotiroti, D. (2008). The protective effect of bergamot oil extract on lecitine-like oxyLDL receptor-1 expression in balloon injury-related neointima formation. Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology and therapeutics, 13(2), 120-129.
- Bergamot had protective effects on endothelial dysfunction associated with cardiovascular disease. From: You, J. H., Kang, P., Min, S. S., & Seol, G. H. (2013). Bergamot essential oil differentially modulates intracellular Ca2+ levels in vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells: a new finding seen with fura-2. Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology, 61(4), 324-328.
BERRIES
- Berries containing polyphenols like anthocyanins contribute to a heart healthy diet. From: Basu, A., Rhone, M., & Lyons, T. J. (2010). Berries: emerging impact on cardiovascular health. Nutrition reviews, 68(3), 168-177.
CARDAMOM
- Cardamom effectively reduced blood pressure, enhanced fibrinolysis and improved antioxidant status. From: Verma, S. K., Jain, V., & Katewa, S. S. (2009). Blood pressure lowering, fibrinolysis enhancing and antioxidant activities of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum).
CARROT
- Intravenous administration of carrot extract lowered blood pressure in rabbits. From: Gilani, A. H., Shaheen, F., Saeed, S. A., Bibi, S., Sadiq, M., & Faizi, S. (2000). Hypotensive action of coumarin glycosides from Daucus carota. Phytomedicine, 7(5), 423-426.
CHAMOMILE (GERMAN)
- This in vivo study demonstrated the hypolipidemic, antioxidant, cardiac protective effect of ingesting a German chamomile extract. From: Nargesi, S., Moayeri, A., Ghorbani, A., Seifinejad, Y., & Shirzadpour, E. (2018). The effects of Matricaria chamomilla L. hydroalcoholic extract on atherosclerotic plaques, antioxidant activity, lipid profile and inflammatory indicators in rats. Biomedical Research and Therapy, 5(10), 2752-2761.
CHAMOMILE (ROMAN)
- Chamaemelum nobile extract possesses a hypotensive and diuretic effect in hypertensive rats. From: Zeggwagh, N. A., Moufid, A., Michel, J. B., & Eddouks, M. (2009). Hypotensive effect of Chamaemelum nobile aqueous extract in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Clinical and Experimental Hypertension, 31(5), 440-450.
CHIA
- In a review of human studies, chia seeds were shown to help reduce LDL cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and diastolic blood pressure. However, further high quality human studies are needed. From: Teoh, S. L., Lai, N. M., Vanichkulpitak, P., Vuksan, V., Ho, H., & Chaiyakunapruk, N. (2018). Clinical evidence on dietary supplementation with chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.): a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition reviews, 76(4), 219-242.
CINNAMON
- A total of 58 patients with type two diabetes received 2g of cinnamon a day for 12 weeks, which significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressures as well as blood glucose levels. From: Akilen, R., Tsiami, A., Devendra, D., & Robinson, N. (2010). Glycated haemoglobin and blood pressure‐lowering effect of cinnamon in multi‐ethnic Type 2 diabetic patients in the UK: a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind clinical trial. Diabetic Medicine, 27(10), 1159-1167.
- In a study of 140 patients with type 2 diabetes, patients who took cinnamon over 3 months showed an improvement in blood sugar and cholesteral levels, especially in those patients with a high BMI. From: Zare, R., Nadjarzadeh, A., Zarshenas, M. M., Shams, M., & Heydari, M. (2018). Efficacy of cinnamon in patients with type II diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Clinical Nutrition.
- Cinnamic acid showed anti-obesity and antihypertensive activity in vivo. From: Mnafgui, K., Derbali, A., Sayadi, S., Gharsallah, N., Elfeki, A., & Allouche, N. (2015). Anti-obesity and cardioprotective effects of cinnamic acid in high fat diet-induced obese rats. Journal of food science and technology, 52(7), 4369-4377.
COFFEE
- In a study with 203 participants over 6 weeks, blood pressure was reduced with coffee rich in chlorogenic acid. From: Yamaguchi, T., Chikama, A., Mori, K., Watanabe, T., Shioya, Y., Katsuragi, Y., & Tokimitsu, I. (2008). Hydroxyhydroquinone-free coffee: a double-blind, randomized controlled dose–response study of blood pressure. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 18(6), 408-414.
COLEUS / FORSKOLIN
- This was a review of the research showing forskolin (a diterpene in coleus) to have a variety of cardiac health activities. From: De Souza, N. J., Dohadwalla, A. N., & Reden, Ü. (1983). Forskolin: a labdane diterpenoid with antihypertensive, positive inotropic, platelet aggregation inhibitory, and adenylate cyclase activating properties. Medicinal research reviews, 3(2), 201-219.
- Forskolin inhibited platelet aggregation. From: Siegl, A. M., Daly, J. W., & Smith, J. B. (1982). Inhibition of aggregation and stimulation of cyclic AMP generation in intact human platelets by the diterpene forskolin. Molecular pharmacology, 21(3), 680-687.
CORIANDER
- Coriander exhibited gut stimulatory, inhibitory and hypotensive effects. From: Jabeen, Q., Bashir, S., Lyoussi, B., & Gilani, A. H. (2009). Coriander fruit exhibits gut modulatory, blood pressure lowering and diuretic activities. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 122(1), 123-130.
- Coriander seed extracts caused hypotensive and diuretic effects in vivo. From: Jabeen, Q., Bashir, S., Lyoussi, B., & Gilani, A. H. (2009). Coriander fruit exhibits gut modulatory, blood pressure lowering and diuretic activities. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 122(1), 123-130.
ELDERBERRIES
- Elderberries have shown in research to help boost immunity, aid in cardiac health, improve blood sugar levels, and have beneficial antioxidant activities. From: Sidor, A., & Gramza-Michałowska, A. (2015). Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in food–a review. Journal of functional foods, 18, 941-958.
EUCALYPTUS
- In a small study with 12 adults, inhaling eucalyptus aroma while exercising reduced systolic blood pressure during aerobic exercise and recovery. From: Teixeira-Araujo, A. A., Almeida, J. R., da Cruz, L. C., Nunes, X. P., & Moreira, S. R. (2017). Aerobic Exercise and Eucalyptus Globulus: Cardio-affective effects on recovery and stress. International Journal of Cardiovascular Practice, 2(1), 1-6.
FENNEL
- Oils high in phenylpropanoids showed antiplatelet activity including: Ocotea. quixos, Foeniculum vulgaris (fennel), and Artemisia dracunculus (tarragon) showed the highest antiplatelet activity. From: Tognolini, M., Barocelli, E., Ballabeni, V., Bruni, R., Bianchi, A., Chiavarini, M., & Impicciatore, M. (2006). Comparative screening of plant essential oils: phenylpropanoid moiety as basic core for antiplatelet activity. Life sciences, 78(13), 1419-1432.
FLAXSEED
- Consumption of flaxseed oil showed protective effects against cardiovascular symptoms in young men. From: Allman, M. A., Pena, M. M., & Pang, D. (1995). Supplementation with flaxseed oil versus sunflowerseed oil in healthy young men consuming a low fat diet: effects on platelet composition and function. European journal of clinical nutrition, 49(3), 169-178.
- African Americans were given alpha linolenic acid capsules (a main constituent of flaxseed) that showed cardioprotective effects. From: Harper, C. R., Edwards, M. J., DeFilipis, A. P., & Jacobson, T. A. (2006). Flaxseed oil increases the plasma concentrations of cardioprotective (n-3) fatty acids in humans. The Journal of nutrition, 136(1), 83-87.
- This article reviewed research on the cardiovascular protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed. From: Rodriguez-Leyva, D., Bassett, C. M., McCullough, R., & Pierce, G. N. (2010). The cardiovascular effects of flaxseed and its omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid. Canadian Journal of Cardiology, 26(9), 489-496.
- Lignans from flaxseed reduced cholesterol and atherosclerosis in rabbits. From Prasad, K. (2005). Hypocholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic effect of flax lignan complex isolated from flaxseed. Atherosclerosis, 179(2), 269-275.
GARLIC
- This research discusses the studies of garlic to reduce blood pressure. From: Silagy, C. A., & Neil, H. A. W. (1994). A meta-analysis of the effect of garlic on blood pressure. Journal of hypertension, 12(4), 463-468.
- This paper reviewed the research on garlic and its reduction of cholesterol, blood pressure, platelet aggregation, as well as its anticancer effects and topical antimicrobial activities.From: Lawson, L. D. (1998). Garlic: a review of its medicinal effects and indicated active compounds.
- This research discusses the studies of garlic to reduce blood pressure. From: Silagy, C. A., & Neil, H. A. W. (1994). A meta-analysis of the effect of garlic on blood pressure. Journal of hypertension, 12(4), 463-468.
- A meta-review indicated that garlic lowered blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and boosted immunity. From: Ried, K. (2016). Garlic lowers blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, regulates serum cholesterol, and stimulates immunity: an updated meta-analysis and review. The Journal of nutrition, 146(2), 389S-396S.
GERANIUM
- Lavender, geranium, rose, and jasmine in an aromatherapy massage may exert positive effects on blood pressure. From: Hur, M. H., Oh, H., Lee, M. S., Kim, C., Choi, A. N., & Shin, G. R. (2007). Effects of aromatherapy massage on blood pressure and lipid profile in korean climacteric women. International Journal of Neuroscience, 117(9), 1281-1287.
GINGER
- In this randomized controlled clinical trial with 37 patients who had metabolic syndrome, the treatment group received 2g of ginger powder a day for 12 weeks. Cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, blood pressure, and overall energy levels were significantly improved in the treatment group. From: Rahimlou, M., Yari, Z., Rayyani, E., Keshavarz, S. A., Hosseini, S., Morshedzadeh, N., & Hekmatdoost, A. (2019). Effects of ginger supplementation on anthropometric, glycemic and metabolic parameters in subjects with metabolic syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, 1-7.
- In a thorough review of research, including in vitro, in vivo, and 10 human studies, the author concluded ginger and its constituents have a beneficial effect against obesity and metabolic syndrome disorders like diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and high blood pressure. From: Wang, J., Ke, W., Bao, R., Hu, X., & Chen, F. (2017). Beneficial effects of ginger Zingiber officinale Roscoe on obesity and metabolic syndrome: a review. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1398(1), 83-98.
GRAIN
- In a randomized controlled dietary trial in middle-aged healthy individuals, daily consumption of 3 portions of whole-grain foods significantly reduced cardiovascular disease risk mainly through blood pressure–lowering mechanisms. From: Tighe, P., Duthie, G., Vaughan, N., Brittenden, J., Simpson, W. G., Duthie, S., … & Thies, F. (2010). Effect of increased consumption of whole-grain foods on blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk markers in healthy middle-aged persons: a randomized controlled trial. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 92(4), 733-740.
GRAPEFRUIT
- In this systematic review of over 100 randomized controlled human trials, grapefruit consumption significantly reduced systolic blood pressure, but could not definitively demonstrate weight loss. More human studies are needed. From: Onakpoya, I., O’Sullivan, J., Heneghan, C., & Thompson, M. (2017). The effect of grapefruits (Citrus paradisi) on body weight and cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 57(3), 602-612.
- In a review of research grapefruit and its component, naringin has shown antioxidant, lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, cardiac protective, and anti-obesity effects. From: Razavi, B. M., & Hosseinzadeh, H. (2019). A Review of the Effects of Citrus paradisi (Grapefruit) and Its Flavonoids, Naringin, and Naringenin in Metabolic Syndrome. In Bioactive Food as Dietary Interventions for Diabetes (pp. 515-543). Academic Press.
- Coronary vasodilator and hypotensive effects of Citrus paradisi peel extract were demonstrated. From: Díaz‐Juárez, J. A., Tenorio‐López, F. A., Zarco‐Olvera, G., Valle‐Mondragón, L. D., Torres‐Narváez, J. C., & Pastelín‐Hernández, G. (2009). Effect of Citrus paradisi extract and juice on arterial pressure both in vitro and in vivo. Phytotherapy Research, 23(7), 948-954.
HAWTHORN
- Hawthorn extract had a cardioprotective effect on the ischemic-reperfused heart. From: Nasa, Y., Hashizume, H., Hoque, A. N., & Abiko, Y. (1993). Protective effect of crataegus extract on the cardiac mechanical dysfunction in isolated perfused working rat heart. Arzneimittel-Forschung, 43(9), 945-949.
- A hawthorn preparation was effective in treating mild cardiac insufficiencies in a multicenter cohort study. From: Schröder, D., Weiser, M., & Klein, P. (2003). Efficacy of a homeopathic Crataegus preparation compared with usual therapy for mild (NYHA II) cardiac insufficiency: results of an observational cohort study. European journal of heart failure, 5(3), 319-326.
- Cardiac measurements improved in this randomized double blind clinical study of treating congestive heart failure using a preparation of hawthorn berries. From: Degenring, F. H., Suter, A., Weber, M., & Saller, R. (2003). A randomised double blind placebo controlled clinical trial of a standardised extract of fresh Crataegus berries (Crataegisan®) in the treatment of patients with congestive heart failure NYHA II. Phytomedicine, 10(5), 363-369.
- In a study of 2,681 randomized patients, it was concluded that taking a hawthorn preparation could reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death. From: Holubarsch, C. J., Colucci, W. S., Meinertz, T., Gaus, W., & Tendera, M. (2008). The efficacy and safety of Crataegus extract WS® 1442 in patients with heart failure: The SPICE trial. European journal of heart failure, 10(12), 1255-1263.
HOREHOUND
- Based on a previous study showing that horehound significantly lowered the systolic blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats, it was identified that both marrubiin and marrubenol were active constituents with vasorelxant activity in vitro. From: El Bardai, S., Morel, N., Wibo, M., Fabre, N., Llabres, G., Lyoussi, B., & Quetin-Leclercq, J. (2003). The vasorelaxant activity of marrubenol and marrubiin from Marrubium vulgare. Planta medica, 69(01), 75-77.
- Horehound had an antihypertensive effect in induced rats. From: El Bardai, S., Lyoussi, B., Wibo, M., & Morel, N. (2004). Comparative study of the antihypertensive activity of Marrubium vulgare and of the dihydropyridine calcium antagonist amlodipine in spontaneously hypertensive rat. Clinical and experimental hypertension, 26(6), 465-474.
JASMINE
- Lavender, geranium, rose, and jasmine in an aromatherapy massage may exert positive effects on blood pressure. From: Hur, M. H., Oh, H., Lee, M. S., Kim, C., Choi, A. N., & Shin, G. R. (2007). Effects of aromatherapy massage on blood pressure and lipid profile in korean climacteric women. International Journal of Neuroscience, 117(9), 1281-1287.
LADY’S MANTLE
- Methanol extracts of lady’s mantle had a vaso-relaxing effect on endothelium intact rat mesenteric arteries. From: Takır, S., Altun, I. H., Sezgi, B., Süzgeç-Selçuk, S., Mat, A., & Uydeş-Doǧan, B. S. (2015). Vasorelaxant and blood pressure lowering effects of alchemilla vulgaris: A comparative study of methanol and aqueous extracts. Pharmacognosy magazine, 11(41), 163.
LAVENDER
- Lavender, geranium, rose, and jasmine in an aromatherapy massage may exert positive effects on blood pressure. From: Hur, M. H., Oh, H., Lee, M. S., Kim, C., Choi, A. N., & Shin, G. R. (2007). Effects of aromatherapy massage on blood pressure and lipid profile in korean climacteric women. International Journal of Neuroscience, 117(9), 1281-1287.
- Lavender inhalation had a relaxing effect, causing a significant decrease of blood pressure, heart rate, and skin temperature. From: MPham, W. S., & Siripornpanich, V. (2012). The effects of lavender oil inhalation on emotional states, autonomic nervous system, and brain electrical activity. J Med Assoc Thai, 95(4), 598-606.
- Inhalation of an essential oil blended with lavender, ylang-ylang, marjoram, and neroli had a relaxing effect and reduced blood pressure in humans. From: Kim, I. H., Kim, C., Seong, K., Hur, M. H., Lim, H. M., & Lee, M. S. (2012). Essential oil inhalation on blood pressure and salivary cortisol levels in prehypertensive and hypertensive subjects. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012.
LEMONGRASS
- In a study with 31 hypertensive individuals, taking a lemongrass decoction twice a day for 16 weeks reduced meant arterial blood pressure. From: Caluscusin, I. R. (2010). The Effect of Twice-a-Day Intake of Lemon Grass Decoction Among Hypertensive Individuals in Barangay Situbo, Municipality of Tampilisan, Province of Zamboanga Del Norte. ADZU-SOM (http://som. adzu. edu. ph/research/index. php).
MARJORAM
- Inhalation of an essential oil blended with lavender, ylang-ylang, marjoram, and neroli had a relaxing effect and reduced blood pressure in humans. From: Kim, I. H., Kim, C., Seong, K., Hur, M. H., Lim, H. M., & Lee, M. S. (2012). Essential oil inhalation on blood pressure and salivary cortisol levels in prehypertensive and hypertensive subjects. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012.
MOTHERWORT
- Refined extracts of motherwort had an antianginal and antiarrhythmic effects on rabbit heart. From: Ritter, M., Melichar, K., Strahler, S., Kuchta, K., Schulte, J., Sartiani, L., … & Dhein, S. (2010). Cardiac and electrophysiological effects of primary and refined extracts from Leonurus cardiaca L.(Ph. Eur.). Planta medica, 76(06), 572-582.
- Motherwort constituents (chlorogenic acid, orientin, quercetin, hyperoside, and rutin) affect mitochondrial oxidation phosphorylationin the heart, which is a proposed cardioprotective effect. Bernatoniene, J., Kopustinskiene, D. M., Jakstas, V., Majiene, D., Baniene, R., Kuršvietiene, L., … & Trumbeckaite, S. (2014). The effect of Leonurus cardiaca herb extract and some of its flavonoids on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in the heart. Planta medica, 80(07), 525-532.
- Leonurine, from Chinese motherwort, caused vasorelaxation in rat aortic muscle. From: Chen, C. X., & Kwan, C. Y. (2001). Endothelium-independent vasorelaxation by leonurine, a plant alkaloid purified from Chinese motherwort. Life sciences, 68(8), 953-960.
- Leonurine from motherwort was cardioprotective in ischemic rat heart. From: Liu, X. H., Pan, L. L., Chen, P. F., & Zhu, Y. Z. (2010). Leonurine improves ischemia-induced myocardial injury through antioxidative activity. Phytomedicine, 17(10), 753-759.
- Fifty patients with hypertension were treated for 28 days with motherwort oil extract to show improved psycho-emotional status and arterial blood pressure. From: Shikov, A. N., Pozharitskaya, O. N., Makarov, V. G., Demchenko, D. V., & Shikh, E. V. (2011). Effect of Leonurus cardiaca oil extract in patients with arterial hypertension accompanied by anxiety and sleep disorders. Phytotherapy Research, 25(4), 540-543.
NEROL
- The monoterpene, nerol, reduced the severity of arrhythmias in mammalian heart. From: Menezes-Filho, J. E. R. D., Souza, D. S. D., Santos-Miranda, A., Cabral, V. M., Santos, J. N. A., Cruz, J. D. S., … & Vasconcelos, C. M. L. D. (2019). Nerol Attenuates Ouabain-Induced Arrhythmias. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019.
NEROLI
- Inhalation of an essential oil blended with lavender, ylang-ylang, marjoram, and neroli had a relaxing effect and reduced blood pressure in humans. From: Kim, I. H., Kim, C., Seong, K., Hur, M. H., Lim, H. M., & Lee, M. S. (2012). Essential oil inhalation on blood pressure and salivary cortisol levels in prehypertensive and hypertensive subjects. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012.
NUTMEG
- Eugenol and Isoeugenol found in nutmeg demonstrated platelet aggregation inhibition. From: Janssens, J., Laekeman, G. M., Pieters, L. A., Totte, J., Herman, A. G., & Vlietinck, A. J. (1990). Nutmeg oil: identification and quantitation of its most active constituents as inhibitors of platelet aggregation. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 29(2), 179-188.
OATS
- A human study of 43 adults showed a diet containing oats consumed over 6 wk resulted in greater improvements in systolic blood pressure and lipid profile. From: Saltzman, E., Das, S. K., Lichtenstein, A. H., Dallal, G. E., Corrales, A., Schaefer, E. J., … & Roberts, S. B. (2001). An oat-containing hypocaloric diet reduces systolic blood pressure and improves lipid profile beyond effects of weight loss in men and women. The Journal of nutrition, 131(5), 1465-1470.
- A review of 21 high quality human intervention studies showed that regular oat consumption is an effective way to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors. From: Ruxton, C. H. S., & Derbyshire, E. (2008). A systematic review of the association between cardiovascular risk factors and regular consumption of oats. British Food Journal, 110(11), 1119-1132.
OLIVE
- Olive leaves from Africa showed antihypertensive, diuretic, antiatherosclerotic, antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects in tested animals related to oleanolic and ursolic acid. From: Somova, L. I., Shode, F. O., Ramnanan, P., & Nadar, A. (2003). Antihypertensive, antiatherosclerotic and antioxidant activity of triterpenoids isolated from Olea europaea, subspecies africana leaves. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 84(2), 299-305.
- In a double blind randomized study with 60 males that had pre-hypertensive blood pressure, olive leaf extract had a hypotensive and lipid lowering effect. From: Lockyer, S., Rowland, I., Spencer, J. P. E., Yaqoob, P., & Stonehouse, W. (2017). Impact of phenolic-rich olive leaf extract on blood pressure, plasma lipids and inflammatory markers: a randomised controlled trial. European journal of nutrition, 56(4), 1421-1432.
- In a randomized parallel study of 112 overweight and hypertensive adults, olive leaf extract taken along with increased exercise improved blood pressure levels. From: Saibandith, B., Tolfrey, K., Spencer, J., Rowland, I., & Commane, D. (2016). The synergistic anti-hypertensive effects of consuming olive leaf extract alongside increasing physical activity. The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 75(OCE3).
OREGANO
- Patients with mild hyperlipidemia who consumed Origanum onites distillate had reduced lipid profiles, antioxidant status and endothelial function. From: Özdemir, B., Ekbul, A., Topal, N. B., Sarandöl, E., Sağ, S., Başer, K. H. C., … & Aydinlar, A. (2008). Effects of Origanum onites on endothelial function and serum biochemical markers in hyperlipidaemic patients. Journal of International Medical Research, 36(6), 1326-1334.
- Oregano in vitro had an anti-inflammatory effect in a cellular model of atherosclerosis. From: Ocana-Fuentes, A., Arranz-Gutierrez, E., Senorans, F. J., & Reglero, G. (2010). Supercritical fluid extraction of oregano (Origanum vulgare) essentials oils: anti-inflammatory properties based on cytokine response on THP-1 macrophages. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 48(6), 1568-1575.
PARSLEY
- Parsley reduced platelet aggregation and thinned blood in rats. From: Gadi, D., Bnouham, M., Aziz, M., Ziyyat, A., Legssyer, A., Legrand, C., … & Mekhfi, H. (2009). Parsley extract inhibits in vitro and ex vivo platelet aggregation and prolongs bleeding time in rats. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 125(1), 170-174.
PHENOLS
- Total phenol content of essential oils was related to LDL antioxidant activity associated with cardiac heart disease. Phenols included: methylchavicol, anethol, p-cymen, apiole, cinnamic ether, carvacrol, thymol, p-cymene, vanillin, cuminol, and eugenol. From: Teissedre, P. L., & Waterhouse, A. L. (2000). Inhibition of oxidation of human low-density lipoproteins by phenolic substances in different essential oils varieties. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 48(9), 3801-3805.
- Eugenol and Isoeugenol found in nutmeg demonstrated platelet aggregation inhibition. From: Janssens, J., Laekeman, G. M., Pieters, L. A., Totte, J., Herman, A. G., & Vlietinck, A. J. (1990). Nutmeg oil: identification and quantitation of its most active constituents as inhibitors of platelet aggregation. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 29(2), 179-188.
- The antiplatelet activity of carnosic acid was demonstrated. From: Lee, J. J., Jin, Y. R., Lee, J. H., Yu, J. Y., Han, X. H., Oh, K. W., … & Yun, Y. P. (2007). Antiplatelet activity of carnosic acid, a phenolic diterpene from Rosmarinus officinalis. Planta medica, 73(02), 121-127.
PINE
- In mice taking a supplement of pine bark extract decreased body weight, percentage body fat, systolic blood pressure and plasma viscosity, and improved basal and hyperaemic blood flow. From: Shand, B., Strey, C., Scott, R., Morrison, Z., & Gieseg, S. (2003). Pilot study on the clinical effects of dietary supplementation with Enzogenol®, a flavonoid extract of pine bark and vitamin C. Phytotherapy Research, 17(5), 490-494.
PUMPKIN SEED
- Pumpkin seed oil lowered blood pressure and cholesterol levels in low estrogen level rats. From: Gossell‐Williams, M., Lyttle, K., Clarke, T., Gardner, M., & Simon, O. (2008). Supplementation with pumpkin seed oil improves plasma lipid profile and cardiovascular outcomes of female non‐ovariectomized and ovariectomized Sprague‐Dawley rats. Phytotherapy Research, 22(7), 873-877.
ROSE
- Rose damascena had an inotropic and chornotropic effect on guinea pig heart. From: Boskabady, M. H., Vatanprast, A., Parsaee, H., & Boskabady, M. (2013). Possible mechanism of inotropic and chronotropic effects of Rosa damascena on isolated guinea pig heart. DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 21(1), 1.
- Lavender, geranium, rose, and jasmine in an aromatherapy massage may exert positive effects on blood pressure. From: Hur, M. H., Oh, H., Lee, M. S., Kim, C., Choi, A. N., & Shin, G. R. (2007). Effects of aromatherapy massage on blood pressure and lipid profile in korean climacteric women. International Journal of Neuroscience, 117(9), 1281-1287.
ROSEMARY
- Dried rosemary and higher concentration of dried thyme significantly inhibited arterial thrombus formation. Both rosemary and thyme significantly inhibited platelet reactivity and enhanced vasodilation. From: Naemura, A., Ura, M., Yamashita, T., Arai, R., & Yamamoto, J. (2008). Long-term intake of rosemary and common thyme herbs inhibits experimental thrombosis without prolongation of bleeding time. Thrombosis research, 122(4), 517-522.
- Thyme and rosemary were antithrombotic in vitro and in vivo. From: Yamamoto, J., Yamada, K., Naemura, A., Yamashita, T., & Arai, R. (2005). Testing various herbs for antithrombotic effect. Nutrition, 21(5), 580-587.
- Carnosic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that could reduce atherosclerosis. From: Yu, Y. M., Lin, H. C., & Chang, W. C. (2008). Carnosic acid prevents the migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells by inhibiting the activation and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9. British Journal of Nutrition, 100(04), 731-738.
- Carnosol, rosmanol, and epirosmanol had an inhibitory activity to LDL oxidation. From: Zeng, H. H., Tu, P. F., Zhou, K., Wang, H., Wang, B. H., & Lu, J. F. (2001). Antioxidant properties of phenolic diterpenes from Rosmarinus officinalis. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica, 22(12), 1094-1098.
SNAKEROOT
- Diastolic blood pressure was reduced in a long term ten year study of 389 patients taking Indian snakeroot. From: Smith, W. M. (1977). Treatment of mild hypertension: results of a ten-year intervention trial. Circulation Research, 40(5 Suppl 1), I98-105.
SOY
- A randomized, double-blind crossover trial with 51 women showed that soy supplementation significantly reduced lipoprotein levels, blood pressure, and severity of vasomotor symptoms. From: Washburn, S., Burke, G. L., Morgan, T., & Anthony, M. (1999). Effect of soy protein supplementation on serum lipoproteins, blood pressure, and menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal women. Menopause, 6(1), 7-13.
SUMAC
- In a randomized double blind clinical trial of 80 patients with hypertension, taking a sumac supplement for 8 weeks reduced blood pressure over placebo. From: Ardalani, H., Moghadam, M. H., Rahimi, R., Soltani, J., Mozayanimonfared, A., Moradi, M., & Azizi, A. (2016). Sumac as a novel adjunctive treatment in hypertension: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Rsc Advances, 6(14), 11507-11512.
TERRAGON
- Oils high in phenylpropanoids showed antiplatelet activity including: Ocotea. quixos, Foeniculum vulgaris (fennel), and Artemisia dracunculus (tarragon) showed the highest antiplatelet activity. From: Tognolini, M., Barocelli, E., Ballabeni, V., Bruni, R., Bianchi, A., Chiavarini, M., & Impicciatore, M. (2006). Comparative screening of plant essential oils: phenylpropanoid moiety as basic core for antiplatelet activity. Life sciences, 78(13), 1419-1432.
THYME
- Dried rosemary and higher concentration of dried thyme significantly inhibited arterial thrombus formation. Both rosemary and thyme significantly inhibited platelet reactivity and enhanced vasodilation. From: Naemura, A., Ura, M., Yamashita, T., Arai, R., & Yamamoto, J. (2008). Long-term intake of rosemary and common thyme herbs inhibits experimental thrombosis without prolongation of bleeding time. Thrombosis research, 122(4), 517-522.
- Thyme and rosemary were antithrombotic in vitro and in vivo. From: Yamamoto, J., Yamada, K., Naemura, A., Yamashita, T., & Arai, R. (2005). Testing various herbs for antithrombotic effect. Nutrition, 21(5), 580-587.
YARROW
- Achillea millefolium exhibited a hypotensive, cardiovascular inhibitory and bronchodilatory effects that may be effective in treating hypertension and asthma. From: Khan, A. U., & Gilani, A. H. (2011). Blood pressure lowering, cardiovascular inhibitory and bronchodilatory actions of Achillea millefolium. Phytotherapy Research, 25(4), 577-583.
YLANG YLANG
- Inhalation of an essential oil blended with lavender, ylang-ylang, marjoram, and neroli had a relaxing effect and reduced blood pressure in humans. From: Kim, I. H., Kim, C., Seong, K., Hur, M. H., Lim, H. M., & Lee, M. S. (2012). Essential oil inhalation on blood pressure and salivary cortisol levels in prehypertensive and hypertensive subjects. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012.
- Ylang-ylang oil improved mood via inhalation, causing a significant decreases in blood pressure and pulse rate as well as a significant increases in subjective attentiveness and alertness. From: Hongratanaworakit, T., & Buchbauer, G. (2004). Evaluation of the harmonizing effect of ylang-ylang oil on humans after inhalation. Planta Medica, 70(07), 632-636.
Compiled by: Kathy Sadowski
Updated: 9/19/19
