HERBAL INTERVENTIONS FOR HYPERTENSION: A REVIEW OF TRADITIONAL PLANTS, BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS, AND NANOTECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES

Hypertension (HTN), a major global health concern and the primary cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) death is expected to impact 29% of all adults by 2025. Hypertension (HTN) is a multifactorial condition, arising from the complex interaction of hereditary, environmental, and physiological variables that contribute to elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It is frequently caused by dysregulation of blood pressure control mechanisms, such as over activity of the renin-angiotensin system and increased sympathetic nervous system activity. Traditional hypertension therapies, such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, have drawbacks, including low solubility and absorption. As a result, researchers are increasingly focusing on novel treatment approaches, such as medicinal plants and nanotechnology. Herbal plants such as Ashwagandha, Cat’s Claw, Ginger, Ginseng, Murungai, and Touch-Me-Not belonging to different families are renowned for pharmacological activities and have shown potential medicines antihypertensive properties, which are often attributed to their bioactive constituents. Recent breakthroughs in nanotechnology have permitted the manufacture of nanoparticles derived from these plants, improving their stability, bioavailability, and potency. These plant-mediated nanoparticles show potential in controlling hypertension by lowering oxidative stress, increasing endothelial function, and regulating nitric oxide levels. As research progresses, combining nanomedicine with traditional herbal therapy may provide novel and effective methods for hypertension management. Future clinical trials and thorough patient education on herbal medicines will be required to realize their promise while maintaining safety and efficacy fully.