In rats, curry spices were found to lower blood pressure, say Indian medical researchers.
S. Thanikachalam, a cardiology expert who headed the research, said his team had tested a mixture of ginger, cardamom, cumin and pepper -- common ingredients in Indian kitchens -- along with white lotus petals and others on the rodents.
Combination Therapy for High Blood Pressure
Anti-hypertensive agents are still the treatment drugs for hypertension but recent advances indicate that combination therapy may be a more effective form of treatment.
Advertisement
"We saw tremendous positive changes in rats induced with high blood pressure during our laboratory experiments," said Thanikachalam, who heads the department of cardiology at Sri Ramachandra University in the southern city of Chennai.
"The drug was very effective in reducing the blood pressure and bringing down oxidative stress in rats," he told AFP.
The study said the spices were successful at reducing renovascular hypertension, a secondary form of high blood pressure caused by a narrowing of the arteries in the kidneys.
![Diet and High Blood Pressure]( "Diet and High Blood Pressure")
High blood pressure or hypertension is defined as a blood pressure of above 140 mm Hg (systolic) and or 90mm Hg (diastolic).
Indians are genetically predisposed to hypertension with one in four people in cities suffering from the disorder, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Hypertension is mostly treated with modern pharmaceuticals but high costs and the possibility of side effects deter many from taking daily medication.
The latest research is not the first time a curry ingredient has been associated with healthy benefits.
In February 2011, scientists released a study suggesting a new hybrid drug tested on animals, made in part from the chemical in the yellow spice turmeric, could help regenerate brain cells after a stroke.
Thanikachalam said the herbal treatment tried by his team, known as venthamarai chooranam, was a combination mentioned in ancient Indian literature.
"It's been passed on from one generation to the other. It's just that it's not been validated scientifically," he said.
The researchers want to expand the animal study to see if the herbal medicine works for chronic conditions before turning to human clinical trials, a mandatory step before any new drug can be brought to market.
"We will be observing the rats in the long run and see if it sustains. Our goal is to develop a drug that is effective and cheap," he said."
The results of the study were published in the June edition of the medical journal Experimental Biology and Medicine.
Source: AFP
The study said the spices were successful at reducing renovascular hypertension, a secondary form of high blood pressure caused by a narrowing of the arteries in the kidneys.
Diet and High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is defined as a blood pressure of above 140 mm Hg (systolic) and or 90mm Hg (diastolic).
Advertisement
Indians are genetically predisposed to hypertension with one in four people in cities suffering from the disorder, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Hypertension is mostly treated with modern pharmaceuticals but high costs and the possibility of side effects deter many from taking daily medication.
The latest research is not the first time a curry ingredient has been associated with healthy benefits.
In February 2011, scientists released a study suggesting a new hybrid drug tested on animals, made in part from the chemical in the yellow spice turmeric, could help regenerate brain cells after a stroke.
Thanikachalam said the herbal treatment tried by his team, known as venthamarai chooranam, was a combination mentioned in ancient Indian literature.
"It's been passed on from one generation to the other. It's just that it's not been validated scientifically," he said.
The researchers want to expand the animal study to see if the herbal medicine works for chronic conditions before turning to human clinical trials, a mandatory step before any new drug can be brought to market.
"We will be observing the rats in the long run and see if it sustains. Our goal is to develop a drug that is effective and cheap," he said."
The results of the study were published in the June edition of the medical journal Experimental Biology and Medicine.
Source: AFP
Foods that Can Lower Your High Blood Pressure
Foods rich in dietary potassium, calcium and anti-oxidants such as rutin, kukoamine and vitamin C can lower your high blood pressure significantly.
Advertisement
 Insomnia Symptoms Do Not Increase High Blood Pressure RiskThere's good news for nearly 30 per cent of adults who suffer from insomnia -difficulty falling asleep, waking up for prolonged hours during the night or unwanted early morning awakenings. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Hypertension News
In the majority of cases, it is advisable to allow patients' blood pressure to self-regulate following endovascular treatment.
Blood pressure (BP) is a silent killer that is progressively impacting Indians, regardless of age, affecting both the young and the elderly.
Several AI-backed blood pressure-analyzing instruments are available to assist patients in monitoring their blood pressure and other crucial vital signs.
In India, there has been an increase in high blood pressure cases among youngsters, highlighting the necessity for effective measures to increase awareness.
High blood pressure is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it doesn't exhibit any noticeable symptoms like fever or infection.
