Hypertension --- more commonly known as high blood pressure --- is best described as an abnormal amount of force from the flow of blood in the arteries. This force can damage the arterial walls, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart failure, heart attack, aneurysm and stroke. Treatment for this condition often begins with lifestyle changes, such as improving diet, restricting sodium and increasing physical activity. Some people, however, turn to complementary and alternative forms of therapy to improve this condition. Herbs such as guggul aren't likely to help, so talk to your doctor before taking this supplement.
Guggul
Guggul is an herbal supplement derived from the Commiphora mukul, a medicinal plant most commonly found in northern India. It's long been used as an Ayurvedic medicine in the treatment of arthritis, urinary disorders and skin diseases. It's also shown some promise in treating other conditions, however. High blood pressure isn't one of them.
High Blood Pressure
No mention is made concerning guggul's effect on blood pressure. The only potential benefit from the use of this herb involves its benefit on cholesterol. High cholesterol has long been considered a risk factor for the development of hypertension, explains MayoClinic.com. High levels of cholesterol --- particularly low-density lipoprotein --- can result in the buildup of plaque along arterial walls, which narrows and hardens the arteries. This restricts blood flow, making high blood pressure much more likely.
Evidence
A study published in the August 1994 issue of "Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy," a journal by the International Society of Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, found that guggul might help improve cholesterol levels when used in conjunction with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Participants were given 50 mg of guggulipid --- the extract of guggul --- or a placebo twice a day with a change in diet. After 24 weeks, both groups experienced a decrease in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride. Those taking guggul, however, saw an even greater improvement in their numbers than the control, suggesting that guggul may be of therapeutic benefit in the treatment of high blood cholesterol.
Warning
As with many other herbal supplements, guggul isn't without potential side effects. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center cautions that guggul may cause nausea, loose stools and headaches. Belching and hiccups are also known to occur after ingestion. Guggul may adversely interact with some medications, such as warfarin, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen and thyroid supplements. Always talk to your doctor before using this or any other supplement to improve your blood pressure.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; High Blood Pressure; April 2011
- MayoClinic.com; High Blood Pressure (Hypertension); March 2011
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Guggul; August 2010
- "Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy"; Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Commiphora Mukul as an Adjunct to Dietary Therapy in Patients with Hypercholesterolemia; R.B. Singh, et al.; August 1994
