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Herb Groups
Hypertensive/Tachycardic Herbs
Botanicals

Definition

Hypertensive and Tachycardic Herbs

introduction:
Medicinal herbs have the potential to cause hypertension by various mechanisms. Those acting via sympathomimetic or parasympatholytic mechanisms are detailed in the Neuroendocrine Herb Group section, e.g., antimuscarinics (tropane alkaloids) are positively dromotropic and chronotropic.vasoconstrictor group herbs act directly on arterial smooth muscle to increase tone.

A small number of medicinal herbs are known to have hypertensive effects that are not directly related to autonomic neurotransmitter activities. The most important common herb in this connection is Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice root) which is hypertensive due to its mineralocorticoid activity. Another often quoted, but seldom used example is Cytisus scoparius (Scotch Broom), which contains the hypertensive alkaloid sparteine.

herbs affecting drug performance:
The following drug classses may be affected by consumption of hypertensive herbs:
ACE Inhibitors
Beta-adrenergic Blockers
Calcium Channel Blockers
Loop Diuretics
Thiazide Diuretics

herbal synergy:
Indirect interaction with other herbs from the following groups may take place through various synergistic or antagonistic physiologic mechanisms including:
Sympathomimetics herb group.
Vasoconstrictor herb group.
Xanthines herb group.

» Herbs:
Common herbs with hypertensive/tachycardic activity activity:
Cytisus scoparius (Scotch Broom)
Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice root)

Restricted or unusual herbs with hypertensive/tachycardic activity:
Cephaelis ipecacuanha (Ipecac)
Cinchona spp. (Cinchona): tachycardic but hypotensive.


Footnotes

Brinker F. Herb Contraindication and Drug Interactions, Second Edition. Sandy OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.

Hardman J, et al. (eds.) Goodman &Gilman's Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. Ninth Edition. McGraw Hill, 1996.

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: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.