Therapeutic Potential of Herbal Remedies in the Management of Hypertension: A Comprehensive Review

<p><span>Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, accounting for a significant burden on global healthcare systems. Despite the availability of various classes of antihypertensive drugs, issues such as side effects, drug resistance, and economic constraints limit their universal applicability. This has prompted a growing interest in alternative therapeutic options, particularly plant-based medicines. Herbal remedies, long utilized in traditional medical systems such as Ayurveda, have shown promising results in managing hypertension through mechanisms such as vasodilation, diuresis, inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme, antioxidant effects, and modulation of inflammatory pathways. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of selected medicinal plants including Rauwolfia serpentina, Allium sativum, Terminalia arjuna, Ocimum sanctum, and Andrographis paniculata, highlighting their phytochemical constituents, pharmacological actions, and evidence from experimental and clinical studies. Although current scientific data support their efficacy, several limitations such as lack of standardization, poor bioavailability, and insufficient clinical trials remain. Integrating herbal therapy with modern medicine may provide a safe, cost-effective, and holistic approach to hypertension management. This paper also addresses the challenges and future directions required for the broader acceptance and regulatory approval of herbal antihypertensives. Further exploration of their molecular mechanisms and long-term clinical trials will be essential to transform these age-old remedies into evidence-based therapeutics</span><span lang="EN-IN">.</span><span lang="EN-IN"> </span></p>