Species Family Used part (s) Chemical constituents/classification Mechanisms of action Study model Reference Agelanthus dodoneifolius Loranthaceae No data Dodonein (lactone) Blockade of the L-type calcium channels and inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in smooth muscle cells Ex vivo assays for vasodilation in rat aortic rings; in vitro assay by the culture of vascular smooth muscle cells and determination of messenger RNA of carbonic anhydrase isozyme A in smooth muscle cells[33 ] Allium cepa Amaryllidaceae Rhizome Diallyl thiosulphinate, methyl allyl thiosulphinate, allylmethyl thiosulphinate, protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, ferulic acid, protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, ferulic acid, and sinapinic acid Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme In vitro angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory assay[34 ] Allium sativum Amaryllidaceae Rhizome S-allyl cysteine Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme In vivo assays with mice with fructose-induced hypertension[35 ] Alpinia zerumbet Zingiberaceae Leaves Routine and kaempferol-3-O-β -D-glucuronide (flavonoids) Stimulates NO/cGMP pathway Ex vivo tests of isolation of the superior mesenteric artery of rats[36 ] Annona muricate Annonaceae Leaves Roseoside, isolariciresinol 9-O-β -D-xyloside, massonianoside B, icariside E4, and nicotiflorin Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-vascular remodeling properties and reduced AT1 receptor expression In vitro assay in angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulated H9C2 cells[37 ] Angelica dahurica Apiaceae Root Imperatorin Reduction of oxidative stress and prevention of hypertension-related renal injury In vivo assay in rats with renovascular hypertension and ex vivo assays that evaluate the cellular redox state[38 ] Angelica decursiva Apiaceae Root Decursin and nodakenin Opening of the potassium channels Assays in rat aortic arteries [39 ] Apium graveolens Apiaceae Seed 3-n-butylphthalide Reduction of renal fibrosis; reduction of oxidative stress; decreased levels of TNF-α , IL-6, and NF-κ B In vivo assays with spontaneously hypertensive rats[40 ] Arbutus andrachne Ericaceae Root, leaves, and fruit Phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and anthocyanins Reduction of oxidative stress Ex vivo tests for vasodilation in rat aorta rings with intact endothelium; ex vivo assays that evaluate the cellular redox state[41 ] Arbutus unedo Ericaceae Root Tannins and flavonoid (quercetin and tannic acid) Stimulation of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase and activation of muscarinic receptors Ex vivo tests for vasodilation in rat aorta rings with intact endothelium[42 ] Azadirachta indica Meliaceae Leaves No data Activation of muscarinic receptors in the heart, reducing the heart rate and increasing peripheral resistance In vivo assay in rats with hypertension induced by DOCA-salt injection[43 ] Berberis vulgaris Berberidaceae Fruit No data Activation of the l-arginine-nitric oxide pathway In vivo assay in rats with hypertension induced by DOCA-salt injection, in vitro studies in aortic rings, and in vitro studies in the isolated perfused mesenteric beds[44 ] Bidens pilosa Asteraceae Leaves Alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, polyacetylenes and triterpenes, phenylheptatriyne, linoleic acid, and linolic acid Blocking of calcium channels Ex vivo assays for vasodilation in rat aortic rings[45 ] Boerhavia diffusa Nyctaginaceae Root Culubin (diterpenoid) Blocking of calcium channels In vivo assay in rats with hypertension caused by obesity induced by a lipid-rich diet[46 ] Cassia tora Fabaceae Seed Chrysofanol, Aurantium Obtusine, alaternine, and chrysobthysin (anthraquinones) Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme In vitro assays[47 ] Cecropia pachystachya Urticaceae Leaves Ambaina and ambainina, long-chain carboxilic acids, and β -sitosterol Sympathic blockade in vessels and tachycardia by vagal inhibition in the heart In vivo assay in normotensive Wistar rats through cannulation of internal carotid artery[48 ] Cleistanthus collinus Phyllanthaceae Leaves Cleistantin A and B (glycosides) Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme In silico molecular interaction[49 ] Crataegus tanacetifolia Rosaceae Leaves Hyperoside Increase in kidney NOS activity, diuretic activity, and efflux of water and sodium, preventing hyperlipidemia and decrease in body weight In vivo assay in normal male Wistar albino and L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats[50 ] Codonopsis lanceolata Campanulaceae Rhizome Lancemaside A Increase in NO levels by eNOS (inducible NO synthase) In vitro assay in human umbilical vein endothelial cells[51 ] Coffea Rubiaceae Fruit Chlorogenic acids Stimulation of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in humans [52 ] Coix larchryma-jobi Poaceae Seed Glutelin hydrolyzate Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme In vivo assays in hypertensive rats[53 ] Cordyceps sinensis Clavicipitaceae Entire organism Mannose, glucose, and galactose (polysaccharide fraction) Increase in NO levels and decrease of the levels of endothelin-1, epinephrine, noradrenaline, angiotensin II, and TGF-β 1 In vivo assays with spontaneously hypertensive rats[54 ] Coriandrum sativum Apiaceae Fruit Camphor, camphene, carvone, cineole, cimene, coriandrine, limonene, linoleic acid, myrcene, myristic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, α -phenyltriene, β -phenylandrene, and α -terpinene, among others Blockade of calcium channels, interaction with muscarinic receptors and diuretic effect In vivo assays in normotensive mice and ex vivo assays in isolated tissue preparations[55 ] Crocus sativus Iridaceae Flower Crocin, crocetina, and Safranal Release of nitric oxide, reduction of oxidative stress, and modulation of the renin-angiotensin system In vivo assay in rats through cannulation of arteries and femoral veins of rats with hypertension induced by Ang-II[56 ] Croton schiedeanus Euphorbiaceae Aerial parts (stem and leaves) Flavonoids, diterpenoids, and phenylbutanoids Stimulation of NO/cGMP pathway In vivo assays in mice with hypertension by chronic inhibition of nitric oxide and ex vivo assay in isolated tissue preparations[9 ] Cucurbita pepo Cucurbitaceae Seed Cucurbitacins (triterpenes); lutein, carotene, and beta carotene(carotenoids); unsaturated linoleic and oleic acids Increase of NO levels In vivo assays in mice with chronic inhibition of nitric oxide and in vitro assays[57 ] Curcuma spp. Zingiberaceae Rhizome Curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin Blocking of calcium channels and the partial inhibition of b-adrenergic receptors Ex vivo vasodilation assay on intact endothelium pigs basilar arteries pre-contracted[58 ] Cyclocarya paliurus Juglandaceae Leaves and seeds Polysaccharides Reduction of oxidative stress In vitro and in vivo assays using hypertensive rats[59 ] Dendranthema indicum Asteraceae Flower Linarin Modulation of the Renin-angiotensin system In vivo assays with spontaneously hypertensive rats[60 ] Dicksonia sellowiana Dicksoniaceae Leaves Polyphenols Reduction of oxidative stress, activation of the pathway PI3K/Akt/eNOS Ex vivo tests on isolated tissues; in vitro assay on pig endothelial cell culture; in vivo tests with spontaneously hypertensive rats[61 ] Dioscorea opposita Dioscoreaceae Rhizome Saponins, starch, mucopolysaccharides, protein, amino acids, mucilage, and polyphenols Inhibition of angiotensin II converting enzyme, inhibition of endothelin-1 and reduction of oxidative stress In vivo assay in rats with renovascular hypertension and ex vivo assays that evaluate the cellular redox state[62 ] Eclipta alba Asteraceae Aerial parts Culubin (diterpenoid) Diuresis due to increase in sodium excretion In vivo assay in rats with hypertension caused by obesity induced by a lipid-rich diet[46 ] Eucommia ulmoides Eucommiaceae Stem bark Wogonin (flavonoid) Inhibition of the intracellular release of Ca2+ and the extracellular influx of Ca2+ Ex vivo testing on isolated tissue preparations[63 ] Ficus deltoidea Moraceae Leaves β -amyrin, lupeol, β -amyrin cinnamate and bergapten, tanacetene, β -elemene, stigmasterol, β -sitosterol, lupenone, and α ,β -amyrenone, as well as alkaloids, saponin, phenols, flavonoids, and tanninsModulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, anti-oxidant and endothelial system In vivo assays with spontaneously hypertensive rats[64 ] Gardenia jasminoides Rubiaceae Fruit Crocetin (carotenoid) Increase in NO levels by eNOS and iNOS (inducible NO synthase) In vivo assays with spontaneously hypertensive rats, ex vivo vasodilation assay on intact endothelium mouse aorta rings, and in vitro assays[65 ] Glycine Max Fabaceae Seed Equol (flavonoid) Diuresis by an increase in sodium excretion and increases transcription of the enzyme eNOS A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in humans [66 ] Gomphrena celosioides Amaranthaceae Aerial parts Phenolic acids and flavonoids Increased levels of bradykinin, prostaglandins, and NO In vivo assays in hypertensive animals[67 ] Hibiscus sabdariffa Malvaceae Flower Anthocyanins Increase in NO by activation of PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway and activation of potassium channels Ex vivo rat assays in isolated tissue preparations[68 ] Inula viscosa Asteraceae Leaves Phenolic compounds and flavonoids Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme In vivo assays in hypertensive adult rats[69 ] Leersia hexandra Poaceae Aerial parts Not identified Anti-oxidative and lipid-lowering effect In vivo assays with hypertensive rats induced by oral administration of ethanol[70 ] Lippia origanoides Verbenaceae Aerial parts Naringenin and pinocembrina (flavonoids), quercetin (flavonol), and luteolin (flavones) Activation of calcium-activated potassium channels and increase in cAMP and and cytosolic cGMP In vivo assays in mice with hypertension by chronic inhibition of nitric oxide[71 ] Lithocarpus polystachys Fagaceae Leaves florizine, fluoxetine, quercetin, dihydrochalcone-20-b-D-glucopyranoside, luteolin, and quercetin (Flavonoids) Modulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and reduction of oxidative stress In vivo assays with spontaneously hypertensive rats and normotensive rats; in vitro assays[72 ] Lonchocarpus xuul Fabaceae Root Dihydrospinochalcone-A and isocordoin Activation of potassium channels and activation of NO/sCG/PKG pathway In vivo assay in spontaneously hypertensive rats; ex vivo testing on isolated tissue preparations; molecular interaction in silico [73 ] Lycopersicon esculentum Solanaceas Fruit α -tocopherol and the carotenoids: lycopene, β -carotene, phytoene, and phytoflueneAttenuation of inflammatory signaling by the inhibition of the NF-k B transcription factor in endothelial cells A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in humans; in vitro assay on human endothelial cell culture [74 ] Mentha x villosa Lamiaceae Leaves No data Active vascular relaxation In vivo assay in rats with hypertension induced by DOCA-salt injection[75 ] Mesona procumbens Lamiaceae Leaves Caffeic acid (polyphenol) Reduction of oxidative stress In vivo assay in spontaneously hypertensive rats and ex vivo assay evaluating the cellular redox state[63 ] Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Fabaceae Inflorescences Gallic acid, rutin, quercetin, and vicenine (flavonoids) Activation of the muscarinic and ganglionic pathways and blockade of the transmembrane calcium influx In vivo assay in normotensive mice; ex vivo testing on isolated tissue preparations[76 ] Mitragyna ciliata Rubiaceae Stem Bark Alkaloids (mitragynine, mitraphylline, and rhynophylline) and/or flavonoid Blocking of calcium channels Ex vivo rat assays in guinea pig and rat isolated aortic rings[77 ] Mixture containing Pine densiflora, Pinaceae Leaves Roseoside, isolariciresinol 9-O-β -D-xyloside, massonianoside B, icariside E4, and nicotiflorin Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-vascular remodeling properties and reduced AT1 receptor expression In vitro assay in Angiotensin II (Ang II)-stimulated H9C2 cells[37 ] Momordica charantia Cucurbitaceae Leaves Roseoside, isolariciresinol 9-O-β -D-xyloside, massonianoside B, icariside E4, and nicotiflorin Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-vascular remodeling properties and reduced AT1 receptor expression In vitro assay in Angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulated H9C2 cells[37 ] Morinda citrifolia Rubiaceae Root Alkaloids, phenolic compounds, sterols, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, and anthraquinones Blocking of calcium channels and release of intracellular calcium Ex vivo rat assays in tissue preparations isolated from rats[78 ] Moringa oleifera Moringaceae Leaves Nitrile, glucosinolates and thiocarbamate glycosides, flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, Niazicin-A, Niazimin-A, and Niaziminin-B Alleviation of vascular dysfunction and oxidative stress, blunted adrenergic-mediated vasoconstriction, promoted endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation; inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme In vivo assay in L-NAME-treated rats; in vitro angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory assay; in silico molecular interaction[79 –81 ] Moringa stenopetala (Baker f.) Moringaceae Leaves Alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins Inhibition of carbonyl anhydrase In vivo assay on mice[82 ] Musa sapientum Musaceae Fruit peel (±)−7, 8-Dihydroxy-3-methyl-isochromanone-4 (polyphenol) Reduction of oxidative stress and increase in NO by activation of pathway PI3K/Akt/eNOS In vivo assay in spontaneously hypertensive rats[83 ] Nardostachys jatamansi Caprifoliaceae Rhizome Jatamansone, calarene, spirojatamol, aristolone, valencene and patchouli alcohol, α -pinene, and β -maaliene Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme In vitro angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory assay[84 ] Onopordum acanthium Asteraceae Seed (E)−1-oxo-3, 4-dihydro-1-H-isochromen-7-yl-3-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl) acrylate Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme Molecular interaction in silico in vitro assays [85 ] Orthosiphon stamineus Lamiaceae Leaves No data Modulation of α 1-adrenergic receptors and AT1 and increase in levels of NO A parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled study in humans; rings of aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats [86 ] Panax notoginseng Araliaceae. Root Ginsenoside Rg1 and Rb1 NO/sGC/cGMP pathway and β 2-adrenergic receptors Ex vivo rat assays in isolated tissue preparations (aortic ring model)[87 ] Peperomia pellucida Piperaceae Leaves 2, 3, 5-trimethoxy-9-(12, 14, 15-trimethoxybenzyl)-1H-indene and pellucidin A Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme In vitro angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory assay[88 ] Phaseolus vulgaris Fabaceae Seed Catechins, flavonoids, and γ -aminobutyric acid (GABA) Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme and modulation of pressure via GABA. In vitro assays[89 ] Phoenix dactylifera Arecaceae Fruits Squalene, lauric acid, palmitic acid, caprate, stearate, vitamin E, β -sitosterol, phytol, linolenic acid, isosorbide, coumarins, and taurine Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme In vitro enzyme inhibition assays[90 ] Piper nigrum Piperaceae Seed Piperine (alkaloid) Reduces oxidative stress In vivo assay in rats with hypertension caused by obesity induced by a lipid-rich diet[91 ] Prunus persica Rosaceae Aerial parts Amygdalin, cyanogenic glycosides, prunasin, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, p-coumaric acid, prussic acid, quercetin, quercitrin, quinic acid, tannin, and ursolic acid NO-sGC-cGMP, vascular prostacyclin, and muscarinic receptor transduction pathway Ex vivo rat assay in isolated tissue preparations (aortic ring model)[92 ] Rauvolfia serpentina Apocynaceae Roots Reserpine, ajmalicine, serpentinine, ajmalimine, ajmaline, rescinnami- dine, rescinnamine, reserpiline, serpentine, indobidine, yohimbine, and deserpidine Protecting the liver and renal architectures In vivo assay in rats with hypertension induced by high salt diet[93 ] Rubus rosifolius Rosaceae Leaves Escauphic acid, flavonoids, and triterpenes Diuretic effect In vivo assay in hypertensive male rats[94 ] Salvia miltiorrhiza Lamiaceae Root Lithospermic acid B Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme Ex vivo assays for vasodilation in rat aortic rings[95 ] Root Tanshinoato of magnesium B Increase in NO levels In vivo assay in rats with phenylephrine-induced hypertension[96 ] Salvia scutellarioides Lamiaceae Aerial parts Alkaloids, triterpenes, lignans, and flavonoids Vasodilation, which activates compensatory physiological responses such as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and increase in concentrations of epinephrine and vasopressin In vivo assay in L-NAME-treated rats[97 ] Sargassum siliquastrum Sargassaceae Entire organism Sargachromenol D Induced depolarization In vivo assay in rat basilar arteries[98 ] Sceletium tortuosum Mesembryathemaceae Leaves Mesembrine (alkaloid) Inhibition of aldosterone synthesis In vitro assay on the culture of human adrenocortical carcinoma cells[99 ] Solanum donianum Solanaceae Leaves Unreported Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme In vitro angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory assay[100 ] Spirulina maxima Cyanophyceae It has no true tissues Phycocyanin Increases transcription of the enzyme eNOS Cohort study with humans [101 ] Taraxacum officinale Asteraceae Leaves and root Saponins, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides Increase in NO levels by eNOS (inducible NO synthase) In vivo assay in L-NAME-treated rats and with spontaneously hypertensive rats[102 ] Taxus chinensis var. mairei Taxaceae Gray Leaves Palmitic acid, 9-octan-dienate of hexadecanil, and octan-3-ol Reduction of the level of angiotensin II and increase in NO levels In vivo assays with mice with hypertension by chronic nitric oxide inhibition and in vitro assays[103 ] Terminalia superba Combretaceae Stem bark Saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, and chalcones Reduction of oxidative stress In vivo assays with mice with glucose-induced hypertension (GHR); ex vivo assays that evaluate the cellular redox state[104 ] Ulmus wallichiana Ulmaceae Stem bark Flavonoids analogous to quercetin Modulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and stimulation of NO/cGMP pathway In vivo assay in spontaneously hypertensive rats and assays in rats with salt and mineralocorticoid-induced hypertension, and with rats with chronic inhibition of nitric oxide[105 ] Urtica dioica Urticaceae Aerial parts No data An important bradycardia, which is independent of cholinergic and 1-adrenergic receptors Ex vivo assays in isolated Langendorff perfused rat heart and vasodilation in rat aortic rings[42 ] Vaccinium virgatum Ericaceae Fruit Anthocyanins and polyphenols Stimulation of NO/cGMP pathway A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in humans [106 ] Vaccinium corymbosum Ericaceae Fruit Anthocyanins and polyphenols Stimulation of NO/cGMP pathway A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in humans [106 ] Vitex cienkowskii Lamiaceae Stem bark Tetra-acetyl jugasterone C Stimulation of NO/cGMP pathway and blockade of transmembrane calcium influx Ex vivo tests on preparations of tissues isolated from rats[107 ] Zea mays Poaceae Seed Corn peptide Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme In vivo assay in spontaneously hypertensive rats and in vitro assays[108 ]
