Summary
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 Herbs
• MAO
Inhibitor Herbs
• Sympathomimetic
Herbs
• Xanthine-containing
Herbs
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)
• Crataegusspp.
(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
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Do not rely solely on the information in this article.
The information presented in Interactions™ is for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, case reports, and/or traditional usage with sources as cited in each topic. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals and different individuals with the same medical conditions with the same symptoms will often require differing treatments. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with conventional medical therapies, including prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications, is also available. Consult your physician, an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health concern or medical problem before using any herbal products or nutritional supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications and/or before attempting to independently treat a medical condition using supplements, herbs, remedies, or other forms of self-care.
References
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: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
Copyright ©1998-2000, Integrative Medical Arts Group, Inc. • IBISmedical.comAll rights reserved worldwide. • www.IBISmedical.com • 503.526.1972