Watermelon Extract Lowers Blood Pressure and Hypertension Woes

A healthy diet and regular exercise naturally tops the list of ways to lower blood pressure among obese, middle-aged adults. But this knowledge doesn’t stop many allopathic physicians from over-prescribing expensive and even downright harmful ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers. Those looking for a more natural option to reduce hypertension may find comfort in a recent study finding that watermelon extract supplementation reduces ankle and brachial blood pressure, carotid wave reflection, and overall arterial function.

Watermelon Extract Lowers Blood Pressure

Earlier studies, such as one from Florida State University, found that 4 grams of watermelon extract per day reduced systolic blood pressure but recorded no change in heart rate in adults with prehypertension and hypertension.

A new study, led by Arturo Figuero, recruited 14 adults with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension and the average age of 58.  The two groups took 6 grams or a placebo daily for six weeks. A two-week washout period followed before a crossover to the other intervention group.

Researchers cited amino acids l-citrulline and l-arginine in the watermelon extract for the reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the arm of 15.1 and 7.6 mmHg, respectively, compared to the placebo. Diastolic BP reduced by 7.6 and 7.8 mmHg on the same sites.

Conventional Versus Alternative Medicine and Mixing

Many argue that there are times for conventional medicine and times for herbal remedies. If your blood pressure is dangerously high and immediate action is necessary, your physician may insist that those pill-form diuretics and calcium-channel blockers are necessary for a time.

Use precaution when mixing conventional and alternative medicine, however. According to Alternative and Complementary Therapies, “bloodroot, green tea, and hawthorn may raise blood pressure, which would reduce the effectiveness of hypertension drugs.” It’s critical to use common sense and to consult your physician about mixing conventional and natural remedies to lower blood pressure, and needless to say, natural solutions can almost always be the choice of treatment.

Additional Sources:

Nutra Ingredients

American Journal of Hypertension