2022 International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Two varieties of chrysanthemum have similar therapeutic effects but operate through distinct mechanisms, revealing potential for precise applications in both traditional and modern medicine.

The study combined network pharmacology, molecular pharmacology, and metabolomics to clarify differences between two herbs, CMF and CIF. An initial analysis was carried out via HPLC-Q-TOF-MS which revealed distinct flavonoid constituents between CMF and CIF. These findings led researchers to make predictions about the possible biological processes responsible for the therapeutic effects of these herbs on LFHSH, including their influence on inflammatory response and fatty acid production.

Through a series of ELISA, molecular docking, Western blot, and metabolomics techniques, the research identified similar influences of CMF and CIF on blood pressure and resistance to tissue, organ and functional damage as well as dyslipidemia. Despite the similar outcomes, there was variation in their mechanism of action. Namely, these herbs uniquely influenced inflammatory response, various signaling pathways, lipid anabolism, the renin-angiotensin system, and metabolic abnormalities. Differing effects were believed to be due to each herb's unique regulatory capabilities which, despite the end effect similarities, offer unique pathways for effective medical application.

Comparison of the Chemical Components, Efficacy and Mechanisms of Action of Chrysanthemum morifolium Flower and Its Wild Relative Chrysanthemum indicum Flower against Liver-Fire Hyperactivity Syndrome of Hypertension via Integrative Analyses Wang Y, Li Y, Guo W, Yang X, Qu J, Gao M, Chen S, Dong J, Li Q, Wang T

2022 Reference Series in Phytochemistry

Coconut water possesses unique compound profiles that imbue it with a broad spectrum of medical properties, incorporating aspects of nutrition, pharmacology, and disease prevention.

The study utilized comprehensive analysis to assess the chemical profile of coconut water, identifying a range of components including phytohormones, enzymes, antioxidant compounds, vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds. These components are known to contribute to the water's biological activity and pharmacological effects, thereby enabling a raft of medicinal properties inherent to coconut water. The water was found to feature anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, rejuvenating, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, and diuretic properties.

An examination of the therapeutic effects of coconut water revealed a significant impact on gastric dysfunction, dysentery, and child malnutrition alongside notable capabilities to manage hypertension. The water was found to promote exercise performance, reduce swelling, dissolve kidney stones, improve kidney function, improve digestion, relieve constipation, reduce the risk of heart disease, lower high blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels. Consumption of tender coconut water was specifically found to reduce the risk of heart disease, help prevent Alzheimer’s disease pathologies and prevent osteoporosis in experimental animals. The unique nutritional profile of coconut water was also found to provide it with the capacity to balance body chemistry and fight cancer.

Health Benefits of Coconut Water Rethinam P, Krishnakumar V

2020 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

This study showed that the intervention time was concentrated at 4–8 weeks, mainly through Chinese herbal medicine for the prevention and treatment of elderly hypertension and the complications.

We systematically retrieved and summarised clinical studies on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the prevention and treatment of essential hypertension (EH) using the evidence map. We aimed to explore the evidence distribution, identify gaps in evidence, and inform on future research priorities. Clinical studies, systematic reviews, guidelines, and pathway studies related to TCM for the prevention and treatment of EH, published between January 2000 and December 2019, were included from databases CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The distribution of evidence was analysed using text descriptions, tables, and graphs. A total of 9,403 articles were included, including 5,920 randomised controlled studies (RCTs), 16 guidelines, expert consensus and path studies, and 139 systematic reviews (SRs).

A total of 10 high-quality studies were retrieved, where qigong (20 RCTs), zhengan xifeng decoction (6 RCTs), Liuwei Dihuang pill (6 RCTs), and Chinese herbal medicine (24 RCTs) were considered to have evidence of potential positive effects. Xuefu zhuyu decoction (15 RCTs) was considered a positive effect; i.e., we are confident in estimating the research results.

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Essential Hypertension: A Clinical Evidence Map Zhang Y, Wang B, Ju C, Liu L, Zhu Y, Mei J, Liu Y, Xu F

2020 Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets

Cinnamon supplementation has favorable effects on diastolic blood pressure and long-term effects on systolic blood pressure.

Out of 927 records, 8 trials that enrolled 582 participants were included. The pooled effect size showed that systolic blood pressure did not change following cinnamon supplementation. Also cinnamon supplementation in long-duration (≥ 8weeks) had a significant effect on systolic blood pressure. Pooled analysis showed that cinnamon had a significant effect on diastolic blood pressure. In addition, results from both duration subsets and high dose (>1500 mg/day) of cinnamon supplementation were significant.

What is the Impact of Cinnamon Supplementation on Blood Pressure? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Hadi A, Campbell MS, Hassani B, Pourmasoumi M, Salehi-Sahlabadi A, Hosseini SA.

2019 Journal of Sleep Research

Acupuncture therapy does not impact the severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, blood pressure, or quality of life in hypertensive patients.

The study examined the effects of acupuncture on blood pressure and Obstructive Sleep Apnea severity in hypertensive patients. These patients, all suffering from mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea, were randomly divided into two groups, one of which received acupuncture treatment while the other received sham-acupuncture treatment, essentially a placebo. Each patient's condition was assessed before and after ten acupuncture sessions, relying on measures such as polysomnography, around-the-clock blood pressure monitoring, and a life quality survey.

A total of 44 patients completed the study, the group covering both genders, with an average age of 57 years, and a diverse range of body mass indices and apnea-hypopnea indices. It's important to note that there were no distinguishable differences observed in the apnea-hypopnea index, daytime or nighttime blood pressure, or life quality between the group that received genuine acupuncture treatment and the group that received the placebo treatment.

Effects of acupuncture on obstructive sleep apnea severity, blood pressure control and quality of life in patients with hypertension: A randomized controlled trial Silva MVFP, Lustosa TC, Arai VJ, Couto Patriota TLG, Lira MPF, Lins‐Filho OL, Chalegre ST, B.B.A.S. K, Secundo IV, Pedrosa RP

2015 PLOS One

There is evidence of efficacy of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy to western medicine for treating hypertension.

Our review provided evidence of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy to medication for treating hypertension, while the evidence for acupuncture alone lowing BP is insufficient. The safety of acupuncture is uncertain due to the inadequate reporting of it. However, the current evidence might not be sufficiently robust against methodological flaws and significant heterogeneity of the included RCTs. Larger high-quality trials are required.

Is Acupuncture Effective for Hypertension? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Zhao XF, Hu HT, Li JS, Shang HC, Zheng HZ, Niu JF, et al

2014 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Acupuncture significantly lowers blood pressure in patients taking antihypertensive medications.

Results from this meta-analysis of randomized sham-controlled trials provide evidence that acupuncture helped (lowered) BP in patients taking antihypertensive medications. Our results did not provide support that acupuncture alone significantly lowers BP in patients with hypertension. Larger RCTs with longer follow-up periods would help clarify the potential efficacy and safety of acupuncture for treating hypertension.

Acupuncture for Essential Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Sham-Controlled Clinical Trials Li DZ, Zhou Y, Yang YN, Ma YT, Li XM, Yu J, et al.