Antihypertensive effect of Nigella sativa seed extract in patients with mild hypertension

Hypertension (HT) is a lifestyle-related disease and dietary modifications are effective for its management and prevention. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with an oral Nigella sativa (NS) seed extract supplement in patients with mild HT. Subjects were randomized into three groups: a placebo and two test groups that received 100 and 200 mg of NS extract twice a day. After 8 weeks, systolic blood pressure (SBP) values in both case groups were found to be significantly reduced when compared with the baseline values for each group. In addition, the decrease in SBP in the two case groups was statistically significant relative to the placebo group (P < 0.05-0.01). Meanwhile, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values in the case groups were found to be significantly reduced from the baseline and a significant reduction was also observed in these groups (P < 0.01) when compared with the placebo group. In addition, extract administration reduced both SBP and DBP in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, NS extract caused a significant decline in the level of total and low-density-lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol relative to baseline data. No complications caused by NS were observed. The results suggest that the daily use of NS seed extract for 2 months may have a blood pressure-lowering effect in patients with mild HT

Artichoke leaf juice contains antihypertensive effect in patients with mild hypertension

Lifestyle modifications are effective for the management and prevention of hypertension. We conducted a randomized, placebocontrolled rial to evaluate the efficacy of an oral concentrated leaf juice of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.; CS) in patients with mild hypertension ystolic blood pressure SBP/diastolic blood pressure DBP, 140-159/90-99 mmHg). Subjects were randomized into a placebo and two drug groups that received 50 and 100 mg of artichoke juice concentrate. After 12 weeks, SBP significantly reduced as compared with the baseline data in case groups and DBP was significantly lower from the baseline as compared with the placebo group. It is concluded that the use of artichoke juice concentrate may have a blood pressure-lowering effect in mild hypertension. © 2009 by Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. All rights reserved