Safety and efficacy of Lippia multiflora in the management of stage I hypertension: outcomes of a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

IntroductionHypertension is a growing public health problem in the developing world. The chronic nature of the disease has been a driver for the use of traditional medicines. Clinical validation of such products for their safety and efficacy is thus of public health importance. We report on the clinical safety and effectiveness of a Lippia multiflora-based herbal antihypertensive (LMT-19). MethodsA randomised controlled study was conducted among 80 volunteers clinically diagnosed, per the WHO criteria, with stage I hypertension. Participants received either an aqueous infusion of LMT-19 plus a standard lifestyle and dietary recommendation based on a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet or the lifestyle and dietary recommendation alone. ResultsThe use of LMT-19 resulted in a significant decline of blood pressure over a 60-day period. Diastolic blood pressure in the LMT-19 group was found to be significantly lower compared to the control (mean diff: 8.25 (±1.50); P ≤ 0.001). Systolic blood pressure was also significantly better compared to the control group (mean diff: 12.70 ± 2.02; P ≤ 0.001). The product was also well tolerated as no adverse drug reactions were also recorded during the study. ConclusionThese outcomes suggest LMT-19 as a potential alternative remedy for management of stage I hypertension. Clinical trial registrationPan-African Clinical Trial Registry, PACTR202107733803271.