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Herb Groups
Hypotensive and Bradycardic Herbs
Botanicals

Definition

Hypotensive and Bradycardic Herbs

Hypotensive/bradycardic herbs form a heterogenous group, including several potentially toxic botanicals not generally available to the public. Their actions may involve central effects e.g., Rauwolfia serpentina (Indian Snakeroot), or effects on the cardiac conduction system, e.g., Selenicereus grandiflorus (Night Blooming Cactus) or they may have mulitple actions, e.g., Crataegus spp. (Hawthorn).

herbs affecting drug performance:
Hypotensive/bradycardic herbs may theoretically interact with the following drug types (additive effects):
ACE Inhibitors
Beta-adrenergic Blockers
Calcium Channel Blockers
Digoxin
Loop Diuretics
Thiazide Diuretics

herbal synergy:
Indirect interaction with herbs in the following groups may take place through various synergistic physiologic mechanisms:
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Agents/Adaptogens herb group.
Vasodilator herb group.
Sedatives herb group.
Parasympathomimetics herb group.

herbal antagonism:
Indirect interaction with herbs in the following groups may take place through various antagonistic physiologic mechanisms:
Sympathomimetics herb group.
Xanthines herb group.

» Herbs:
Common herbs with hypotensive and bradycardic activity:
Coleus forskohlii (Coleus)
crataegus spp. (Hawthorn)
Lobelia inflata (Lobelia)
Olea europaea (Olive leaf)

Restricted and unusual herbs with hypotensive and bradycardic activity:
Aconitum napellus (Monkshood)
Anemone pulsatilla (Pulsatilla)
Arnica spp. (Arnica)
Rauwolfia serpentina (Indian Snakeroot)
Selenicereus grandiflorus (Night Blooming Cereus)
Veratrum spp. (Hellebore)
Viscum album (European Mistletoe)


Footnotes

Brinker F, Herb Contraindication and Drug Interactions , Second Edition. Sandy OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.

Hardman J, et al. (eds.) Goodman &Gilman's Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. McGraw Hill, 9th Edition, 1996.

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 Pharmaceutical Press, London, 1996.