Comparative Efficacy of Nutraceuticals and Conventional Medicines in Hypertension Treatment: A Critical Review of Current Evidence

Hypertension affects over 1.13 billion people worldwide and remains a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney disease. While conventional antihypertensive medications have established efficacy, growing interest in nutraceuticals as complementary or alternative treatments has emerged due to their perceived safety profile and natural origin. This comprehensive review critically examines current evidence comparing the efficacy of nutraceuticals versus conventional medicines in hypertension management. We analyzed peer-reviewed studies published between 2018-2024, focusing on randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. The evidence suggests that while conventional antihypertensive medications demonstrate superior and consistent blood pressure reduction, certain nutraceuticals show modest but statistically significant effects. Garlic extracts, hibiscus tea, beetroot juice, and omega-3 fatty acids demonstrate the strongest evidence among nutraceuticals, with systolic blood pressure reductions ranging from 3-8 mmHg. However, conventional medications achieve greater reductions (10-20 mmHg) with more predictable dose-response relationships. The review identifies gaps in long-term safety data for nutraceuticals and emphasizes the need for standardized dosing protocols. Integration of evidence-based nutraceuticals with conventional therapy may offer synergistic benefits, particularly in early-stage hypertension and as adjuvant therapy.