Natural medicines for hypertension: Olive and roselle

Past studies have established the calcium antagonistic effects of olive (Olea europaea) and roselle (Hybiscus sabdariffa). A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food investigated the potential of the extracts from the two plants as supplements for hypertension management.

• The researchers used Pres Phytum, a nutraceutical formulation containing extracts from the two aforementioned plants, for their study.
• They tested the effects of the extracts on guinea pig atria and aorta.
• The effects of the extracts on spontaneous gastrointestinal, urinary, and respiratory tracts smooth muscle contractility were also assessed.
• Pres Phytum was found to have vasorelaxant and negative chronotropic effects.

These data were interpreted as proof of the extracts’ ability to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and reducing heart rate.

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Journal Reference:

Micucci M, Angeletti A, Cont M, Corazza I, Aldini R, Donadio E, Chiarini A, Budriesi R. HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L. FLOWERS AND OLEA EUROPEA L. LEAVES EXTRACT-BASED FORMULATION FOR HYPERTENSION CARE: IN VITRO EFFICACY AND TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2016;19(5):504–512. DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2015.0072