Herbal heart representing natural blood pressure support.

Natural Blood Pressure Support: Is It Safe & Effective?

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the potential and safety of a cardiovascular health supplement in managing prehypertension and stage I hypertension."

In the United States, dietary supplements are very popular with over 166 million people using them. A large number of adults who have cardiovascular disease use these supplements. Data showed that nearly two-thirds of adults with hypertension use dietary supplements.

Many healthcare professionals incorrectly think that dietary supplements are unregulated. However, these supplements are regulated as a special type of food by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Manufacturers aren't required to do safety studies before selling their products, but they can't sell anything known to be unsafe. Though uncommon, adverse events (AEs) can happen with dietary supplements, but reports show that very few deaths are actually attributed to their use.

The limited amount of research on dietary supplements prevents wider clinical use. Naturopathic doctors and other integrative medicine providers often discuss the safety, quality, and effectiveness of supplements with their patients. Research on supplements could identify more safe and effective options. This study aims to assess the safety and potential benefits of a specific dietary supplement for cardiovascular health.

What the Research Says About Natural Blood Pressure Supplements

Herbal heart representing natural blood pressure support.

This study was designed to check how safe and well-tolerated a dietary supplement is for cardiovascular health. Researchers carefully monitored changes in clinical lab results, used questionnaires to track mood and sleep, and recorded any adverse events. The main things they looked at were changes in sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and kidney function. Participants took one capsule of the supplement daily for six months.

Thirty adults who had blood pressure readings that showed prehypertension or stage I hypertension were selected for the study. These participants were screened to ensure they met specific health criteria, such as not taking blood pressure medications or having certain medical conditions. Throughout the study, participants had regular check-ins, including a baseline visit, a 3-month check-up, and a final 6-month visit. Researchers also contacted them by phone between these visits to monitor their progress and any issues they might have experienced.

No Serious Adverse Events: The study found no serious health issues related to the supplement. However, 30% of participants withdrew from the study due to side effects.
Common Side Effects: Nasal congestion and fatigue were the most common reasons people stopped taking the supplement. Nasal congestion was more common in those who reported seasonal allergies.
High Adherence Rate: Participants took the supplement as directed 90.9% of the time, showing they were committed to following the study plan.
Significant Blood Pressure Reduction: Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased over the study period (p<0.0001).
Increase in Serum Potassium: There was a notable increase in serum potassium levels among participants (p<0.05).
Other Health Measures: Most other health measures, including kidney function, liver enzymes, and mood scores, did not change significantly.

The study suggests that the dietary supplement is safe for adults with prehypertension and stage I hypertension to use long-term. The results showed that the supplement could lower blood pressure and increase serum potassium, which are promising. Future studies should further explore these effects and how the supplement works in the body, especially regarding potassium and diuretic actions.

What This Means for You

If you're considering a natural approach to managing your blood pressure, this study offers some reassurance. The dietary supplement examined appears safe for long-term use and may help lower blood pressure. However, like any supplement, it’s not without potential side effects. Consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement is essential, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1089/acm.2018.0311, Alternate LINK

Title: Prospective Safety Evaluation Of A Cardiovascular Health Dietary Supplement In Adults With Prehypertension And Stage I Hypertension

Subject: Complementary and alternative medicine

Journal: The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc

Authors: Jennifer Joan Ryan, Douglas Allen Hanes, Jamie Corroon, Jan Taylor, Ryan Bradley

Published: 2019-02-01

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Everything You Need To Know

1

What exactly is a 'dietary supplement' and how are they regulated?

A dietary supplement, as referenced here, is a product taken orally that contains a "dietary ingredient" intended to supplement the diet. These supplements are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a special category of food, which means that while manufacturers can't sell anything known to be unsafe, they aren't required to conduct safety studies before marketing their products. This differs from pharmaceuticals, which undergo rigorous testing and approval processes.

2

What are 'prehypertension' and 'stage I hypertension,' and why is it important to manage these conditions?

Prehypertension and Stage I hypertension are classifications of blood pressure levels. Prehypertension indicates blood pressure is higher than normal but not yet in the hypertension range, while Stage I hypertension represents a higher level of elevation. Managing these conditions is vital because elevated blood pressure can lead to serious cardiovascular issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Lifestyle modifications and, in some cases, medical interventions, are employed to bring blood pressure back to a healthy range.

3

What is 'serum potassium,' and why is it important to monitor its levels, especially when taking supplements?

Serum potassium is the concentration of potassium in the blood. Maintaining appropriate levels is vital because potassium plays a crucial role in nerve and muscle function, including the heart. The study noted a notable increase in serum potassium levels among participants. Too much potassium (hyperkalemia) or too little (hypokalemia) can lead to heart rhythm abnormalities and other health problems. Therefore, changes in serum potassium levels should be monitored, especially when using supplements that might affect them.

4

What are 'adverse events,' and how were they monitored in the supplement study?

Adverse events (AEs) are unintended and undesirable effects that occur after using a product, such as a dietary supplement. In the context of the study, researchers monitored participants for any adverse events to assess the supplement's safety. Although the study found no serious adverse events, some participants experienced side effects like nasal congestion and fatigue, leading to their withdrawal from the study. Even though uncommon, all potential side effects need reporting to your healthcare provider.

5

What does 'adherence rate' mean in the context of a study, and why is it important?

The adherence rate is the extent to which participants followed the study plan, including taking the supplement as directed. A high adherence rate, such as the 90.9% observed in the study, indicates that participants were committed to following the study protocol. This is significant because it increases the reliability of the study results. High adherence helps ensure that the observed effects are genuinely related to the supplement and not due to inconsistent use.