Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a serious health concern that may increase the risk of stroke or atherosclerosis. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, hypertension is defined as having an average systolic blood pressure above 140mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure above 90mm Hg, or both. You can help lower high blood pressure by increasing your physical activity, limiting your salt intake and reducing your alcohol consumption. However, you may also need to take medication. The herb Pycnogenol may help lower high blood pressure, but evidence to prove that it works is limited. Do not use it in place of anti-hypertensive drugs that your doctor prescribes for you. Pycnogenol has not been tested by the Food and Drug Administration, which recommends that pregnant women don't use any herbs without consulting a doctor.
Properties and Administration
Pycnogenol is extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine tree and used as an alternative remedy for a variety of conditions, including erectile dysfunction, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, chronic venous insufficiency and hypertension. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that Pycnogenol may increase the production of nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to dilate thus aiding blood flow. The amount you need to take to lower high blood pressure may depend on your age and overall health. Your doctor can advise you on the correct dosage.
Efficacy
The results of a study by X. Liu and colleagues published in the January 2004 issue of Life Sciences showed that Pycnogenol supplementation allowed patients to reduce their dose of the anti-hypertensive drug nifedipine. The authors concluded that their findings support a role for Pycnogenol in the treatment of mild hypertension. A study by S. Zibadi et al. published in the May 2008 issue of Nutrition Research found that Pycnogenol achieved blood pressure control in 58.3 percent of patients at the end of the 12 weeks of treatment. These patients were also able to halve the dose of their blood pressure medicines.
Side Effects and Contraindications
RxList notes that taking 120mg to 450mg Pycnogenol daily for up to six months may be safe but adds that larger doses may not be. Side effects may include dizziness, headache and mouth ulcers. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or suffer from an immune disorder. It may also interact with immunosuppressants.
Other Herbal Options
The University of Maryland Medical Center's website cites several other herbs that also may help lower high blood pressure, including Achillea wilhelmsii and hibiscus. However, clinical studies to prove they are effective are limited. Like Pycnogenol, these herbs may cause side effects or may not be suitable for you. For example, hibiscus should not be used alongside the drug acetaminophen and is unsuitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypertension
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Pine Bark Extract
- PubMed: Pycnogenol, French Maritime Pine Bark Extract, Improves Endothelial Function of Hypertensive Patients
- PubMed: Reduction of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes by Pycnogenol supplementation
- RxList: Pycnogenol
- RxList: Hibiscus
