Nutritional Supplements for the Treatment of Hypertension: A Practical Guide for Clinicians

Curr Cardiol Rep. 2016 Dec;18(12):126. doi: 10.1007/s11886-016-0806-x.

Abstract

Nutraceuticals are dietary components with pharmacologic properties that can be used to treat various disease states. There is growing interest among patients in the use of nutraceuticals for the management of hypertension; as such, it is important that clinicians are prepared to engage in meaningful discussions with their patients about these substances. Flavonoids, beetroot, garlic, and unsaturated fats have garnered significant attention for their blood pressure lowering properties. We review the clinical evidence and reported mechanisms of action for these substances in an attempt to offer a practical guide for clinicians to engage with patients who are highly motivated to seek out nutraceutical therapies to manage their hypertension.

Keywords: Beetroot; Flavonoids; Garlic; Hypertension; Nutraceuticals; Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; Omega 9 monounsaturated fatty acids.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carotenoids / therapeutic use
  • Diet*
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
  • Flavonoids / therapeutic use
  • Fruit and Vegetable Juices
  • Garlic
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / diet therapy*
  • Hypertension / physiopathology
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Prospective Studies
  • Vitamins / pharmacology
  • Vitamins / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
  • Flavonoids
  • Plant Extracts
  • Vitamins
  • Carotenoids