EVIDENCE OF THE USE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN THE TREATMENT OF SYSTEMIC ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic Arterial Hypertension is one of the major health problems in the world and a crucial factor for the aggravation of cardiovascular diseases in the population, so its existence encourages the development of a range of treatments both to control symptoms and to improve the patient's quality of life. Thus, phytotherapy enters as one of the other types of therapeutic approach, since many herbal medicines have unique molecules in their composition, some of which whose potential beneficial to health is much studied, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, so that this article seeks to recognize plants that have useful properties in combating hypertension that are common in Brazil. Methodology: In this context, through a retrospective, cross-sectional study using the platforms PubMed, webofscience, Lilacs, Pubmed and Google Scholar, based on the keywords antihypertensive, arterial hypertension, high blood pressure, phytochemical, phytotherapy. Results and Discussion: 7 plants were found, whose antihypertensive properties were reported with evidence through clinical trials in animals or people, being Cymbopogon citratus (Capim santo); Bidens pilosa (Picão preto); Allium sativum (Garlic); Oryza sativa (Rice); Hibiscus sabdariffa (Sour pigweed); Cuphea igneous (St. Anthony's Flower); Ocimum basilicum (Basil) and Melicoccus bijugatus (Mamoncillo). Conclusions: Some mechanisms of action of these herbal medicines can be suggested through the studies carried out, but in order to categorically understand the efficacy and pharmacology of any of these active ingredients, a more in-depth specific study is necessary.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2025.008-002