Hypertensive and Tachycardic Herbs

Summary

Hypertensive and Tachycardic Herbs

introduction:
Medicinal herbs have the potential to cause hypertension by various mechanisms. Those acting via sympathomimetic or parasympatholytic mechanisms are detailed in the Neuroendocrine Herb Group section, e.g., antimuscarinics (tropane alkaloids) are positively dromotropic and chronotropic; vasoconstrictor group herbs act directly on arterial smooth muscle to increase tone.

A small number of medicinal herbs are known to have hypertensive effects that are not directly related to autonomic neurotransmitter activities. The most important common herb in this connection is Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice root) which is hypertensive due to its mineralocorticoid activity. Another often quoted, but seldom used example is Cytisus scoparius (Scotch Broom), which contains the hypertensive alkaloid sparteine.

herbs affecting drug performance:
The following drug classes may be affected by consumption of hypertensive herbs:
• ACE Inhibitors
• Beta-adrenergic Blockers
• Calcium Channel Blockers
• Loop Diuretics
• Thiazide Diuretics

herbal synergy:
Indirect interaction with other herbs from the following groups may take place through various synergistic or antagonistic physiologic mechanisms including:
• Sympathomimetic Herbs
• Vasoconstrictor Herbs
• Xanthine-containing Herbs



Herbs

Common herbs with hypertensive/tachycardic activity activity:
• Cytisus scoparius (Scotch Broom)
• Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang)
• Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice root)

Restricted or unusual herbs with hypertensive/tachycardic activity:
• Cephaelis ipecacuanha (Ipecac)
• Cinchona spp. (Cinchona): tachycardic but hypotensive.

Please read the disclaimer concerning the intent and limitations of the information provided here.
Do not rely solely on the information in this article.

The information presented in Interactions is for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, case reports, and/or traditional usage with sources as cited in each topic. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals and different individuals with the same medical conditions with the same symptoms will often require differing treatments. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with conventional medical therapies, including prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications, is also available. Consult your physician, an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health concern or medical problem before using any herbal products or nutritional supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications and/or before attempting to independently treat a medical condition using supplements, herbs, remedies, or other forms of self-care.


References

Brinker F. Herb Contraindication and Drug Interactions, Second Edition. Sandy OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.

Hardman J, et al. (eds.) Goodman &Gilman's Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. Ninth Edition. McGraw Hill, 1996.

McGuffin M, et al. (eds.) AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook . CRC Press, 1997.

Newall C, Anderson L, Phillipson JD, Herbal medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.