-IBIS-1.7.6-
rx
Herb Groups
Vasodilator Herbs
Botanicals
Definition
Vasodilator Herbs
introduction:
Many herbs act on smooth muscle to reduce tone, i.e., spasmolytics. Herbs that are primarily used for relaxing arterial tone (vasodilators) are included here. Many herbs have been shown to have mild hypotensive actions in vitro and in vivo, however, the mechanism does not always involve smooth muscle tone. Others have multiple hypotensive actions such as Allium sativum (Garlic). Herbs that are arterial stimulants are also considered vasodilatory, such as Xanthoxylum (Prickly Ash).
Some spasmolytic herbs, including the antimuscarinics, are used primarily for gastro-intestinal, pulmonary or genito-urinary tract musculature. The anti-muscarinics are not included here. Several sedative herbs also have vasodilatory effects, and the adaptogens are considered by herbalists to be hypotensive in combination with antihypertensive prescriptions. Other herbs are hypotensive due to cardiodepressant actions: see hypotensives/bradycardics. Several vasodilators are considered specific for coronary arteriodilatation, particularly crataegus spp. (Hawthorn) and Coleus forskohlii (Coleus). Ginkgo is considered to affect particularly the cerebral circulation, but is a general peripheral vasodilator.
herbs affecting drug performance:
Herbs in this group may theoretically interact with the following classes of drugs with additive or increased hypotensive effects:
ACE Inhibitors
Beta-adrenergic Blockers
Calcium Channel Blockers
Loop Diuretics
Thiazide Diuretics
herbal synergy:
Indirect interaction with other herbs in the following groups may take place through various synergistic or antagonistic physiologic mechanisms including:
Hypotensive and Bradycardic herb group.
MAO Inhibitors herb group.
Sympathomimetics herb group.
Xanthines herb group.
» Herbs:
Common herbs with vasodilatory actions:
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Allium sativum (Garlic)
Amoracia rusticana (Horseradish)
Berberis vulgaris (Barberry)
Cimicifuga racemosa (Black cohosh)
Coleus forskholii (Coleus)
Coptis spp. (Goldenthread)
crataegus spp. (Hawthorn)
Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng)
Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo)
Melissa offiicnalis (Lemon Balm)
Olea europaea (Olive leaf)
Panax ginseng (Chinese Ginseng)
Petroselinum crispum (Parsley)
Scutellaria baicalensis (Baical Skullcap)
Tilia europaea (Linden Flower)
Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek)
Urtica dioica (Nettles)
Valeriana officinalis (Valerian)
Viburnum spp. (Cramp, Bark, Black Haw)
Veratrum viride (American Hellebore)
Verbena officinalis (Vervain)
Xanthoxylum americanum (Prickly Ash)
Zingiber officinale (Ginger)
Restricted and unusual herbs with vasodilatory actions:
Rauwolfia serpentina (Indian Snakeroot) toxic
Viscum album (European Mistletoe) toxic
Footnotes
Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Second edition. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Institute Inc, 1998.
McGuffin M, et al. (eds.) AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook . CRC Press, 1997.
Newall C, Anderson L, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.