Chinese Herb to Lower High Blood Pressure
A new research study proved that a Chinese herb called danshen offers a better treatment for high blood pressure. The researchers say that an active ingredient in this herb helps in reducing hypertension in hamsters and widens blood vessels.
Traditionally, it was known that danshen works for high blood pressure. But researchers didn’t know how it works.
The roots of danshen, which is a kind of sage, are used as medicine in Chinese culture. It is used to treat heart problems and hypertension. It is more effective in case of people who have hypertension with angina and atherosclerosis.
In this study, the researchers gave the active ingredient of danshen, tanshinone IIA, to hamsters having high blood pressure. They found that this ingredient reduced blood pressure and widened blood vessels. It appears to work by boosting the body’s production of nitric oxide.
The research lays the foundation for future research on danshen’s effectiveness as a hypertension drug. Though there are plenty of drugs available in the market currently, many have their significant side effects.
However, more research needs to be done on danshen’s therapeutic role. Also, drug toxicity and adverse effects of this remedy should also be evaluated. The researchers also say that they are trying to understand the effects of danshen after people stop taking it.