Diuripres: The Herbal Supplement for Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects millions of people worldwide. When left unmanaged, it increases the risk of severe health complications, including heart disease and stroke. Consequently, effective management of hypertension is a public health priority. 

In addition to lifestyle changes and prescribed medications, there is growing interest in the potential role of herbal supplements in supporting blood pressure management. One such supplement is Diuripres, which combines magnesium oxide, hawthorn, hibiscus, and orthosiphon. This blog post delves into a recent clinical study investigating the effects of Diuripres on hypertension. 

Herbal Powerhouses in Diuripres: Hawthorn, Hibiscus, and Orthosiphon 

Diuripres is an innovative supplement that brings together magnesium oxide plus three herbal supplements: Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata), Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), and Orthosiphon, commonly known as Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus). Each of these herbs brings unique physiologic effects on lowering blood pressure, and together, they may have synergistic and additive blood pressure reducing effects that can be helpful in the management of hypertension. Magnesium itself is also known to exert a small effect on reducing blood pressure, but will not be discussed further in this blog post.  

Diuripres and Blood Pressure: A Closer Look at the Research 

A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study published in Phytotherapy Research revealed that Diuripres demonstrated potential in reducing blood pressure levels. The research involved 60 patients with hypertension, who were given either Diuripres or placebo over 12 weeks. All patients were on a low-sodium, low-fat, Mediterranean diet.  

The results were promising: Diuripres reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 4.3 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 3.1 mmHg. This reduction is significant as even a small decrease in blood pressure can lead to substantial reductions in the risk of heart disease and stroke over the course of years.  

In terms of safety, Diuripres was well-tolerated by participants, with no significant side effects reported, indicating that it could potentially be a safe addition to hypertension management strategies. 

Overall, this study was well done and the authors should be applauded for their efforts; however, it was a very small study and the most we can say is that Diuripres has a mild to moderate effect on reducing blood pressure. We do not yet know if it prevents important cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. 

Delving Deeper into the Herbs in Diuripres

Hawthorn 

It may enhance the heart’s pumping ability and dilate blood vessels, which will lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. It contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins and flavonoids, which are thought to have antioxidant properties that may help protect against damage to heart cells. Despite these pharmacologic effects, the studies of hawthorn in patients with high blood pressure are mixed with some suggesting harm in patients with heart failure, so we advise against using hawthorn if you have heart failure, unless directed otherwise by your licensed healthcare provider.  

Hawthorn can possibly interact with certain medications. It is not recommended to take hawthorn along with nitrates or phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis. Caution is also advised when taking hawthorn with blood thinners such as aspirin, Plavix, Brilinta, and Eliquis. It may also have additive blood pressure lowering effects with prescription anti-hypertensives such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and ACE inhibitors.  

Hibiscus 

This herb can lower blood pressure, making it a candidate for managing hypertension. It’s rich in anthocyanins and phenolic compounds that contribute to these effects. It has GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status in the U.S. for use in foods. Hibiscus tea has been shown to modestly lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension. However, it may interact with some medicines, such as antihypertensive drugs, diuretics, and NSAIDs, and drugs that lower blood sugar levels, underlining the importance of professional guidance when using hibiscus for health purposes.

Orthosiphon (AKA Java Tea) 

Orthosiphon is traditionally used for kidney and urinary disorders. It’s also been studied for its potential in managing high blood pressure and rheumatism. Java tea has diuretic properties, which could help lower blood pressure by increasing urine output. However, it may interact with antihypertensive drugs and lithium, making it essential to use under professional supervision if you are taking prescription medications. 

Guideline Recommendations for Hypertension Management: The First Line of Defense 

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the potential role of dietary supplements in managing various health conditions, including hypertension. While supplements like Diuripres present promising possibilities, it’s essential to recognize that they should not replace first-line treatments recommended by established guidelines. 

Contemporary guidelines for managing hypertension emphasize lifestyle modifications as the first step. These include maintaining a healthy diet, such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, moderating alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking. 

When lifestyle modifications are not enough, prescription medications are typically the next step. These may include thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or calcium channel blockers, among others, and the choice of medication often depends on the individual’s overall health, the presence of other conditions, and their risk for heart disease. 

Importantly, these medications have been thoroughly studied in numerous clinical trials and are proven to be effective and safe for most people. They are considered the gold standard in hypertension management and have been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death.  

The Bottom Line 

The combination herbal supplement Diuripres, combining Hawthorn, Hibiscus, and Orthosiphon, showed a modest reduction in blood pressure in patients with hypertension. While research on these herbs and their combined effects is ongoing, early results point towards a potentially effective and safe strategy for blood pressure management in patients with hypertension. Of note, we strongly advise that patients with heart failure avoid supplements containing hawthorn.  

It’s crucial to remember that while herbal supplements can play a supportive role in managing hypertension, they are not a substitute for first-line prescription medications such as thiazide diuretics, calcium channel blockers, and ACE inhibitors. Before starting any dietary supplement, including Diuripres, it’s vital to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your overall health, potential interactions with other medications you’re taking, and the latest scientific research. 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As a clinical pharmacist, I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, but the field of herbal supplements is constantly evolving. Individual responses to herbal supplements may vary, and it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new herbal supplement regimen. Additionally, it is crucial to carefully read and follow the instructions, warnings, and precautions provided by the manufacturers of herbal supplements. The author and the website disclaim any liability for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the information contained in this blog post.