Integrative Review of an Ayurvedic Polyherbal Formulation for the Management of Hypertension: Ayurvedic and contemporary Perspectives

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension is a major global public health concern contributing significantly to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although several antihypertensive drugs are available, long-term therapy is often limited by adverse effects, economic burden, and poor patient compliance. Ayurvedic literature describes clinical entities comparable to hypertension through concepts such as Vyānabala Vaiṣamya, Sirāgata Vāta, and Raktagata Vāta, emphasizing restoration of systemic balance rather than symptomatic blood pressure control alone. Integrative evaluation of Ayurvedic therapeutics may provide safer and holistic management strategies.

Methods: A narrative review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts and contemporary biomedical literature to analyze hypertension from both traditional and modern perspectives. The therapeutic rationale of a polyherbal formulation comprising Tagara (Valeriana wallichii), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Jatāmāṁsī (Nardostachys jatamansi), Śaṅkhapuṣpī (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Rasona (Allium sativum), Aśvagandhā (Withania somnifera), and Gokṣura (Tribulus terrestris) was evaluated based on reported pharmacological activities and traditional indications.

Results: Literature evidence suggests that these herbs possess antihypertensive, cardioprotective, anxiolytic, antioxidant, adaptogenic, and lipid-lowering properties. Proposed mechanisms include vascular relaxation, autonomic modulation, oxidative stress reduction, and endothelial protection. Ayurvedic interpretations indicate normalization of Vāta and Rakta Duṣṭi with enhancement of Hṛdaya Bala. No experimental findings are presented, as preclinical studies are currently in progress.

Discussion: The integrative review demonstrates conceptual convergence between Ayurvedic principles and modern pathophysiological mechanisms of hypertension. The proposed formulation shows strong theoretical and pharmacological justification for preclinical evaluation and future clinical investigation, supporting the development of evidence-based Ayurvedic interventions for hypertension management.