Cyperaceae plants interwoven with a heart, symbolizing blood pressure reduction.

Nature's Tiny Warriors: Can These Plants Fight High Blood Pressure?

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Brazilian research unveils the surprising potential of Cyperaceae plants in managing hypertension."

For centuries, traditional medicine has turned to nature for remedies. In Brazil, the Cyperaceae family of plants has been rumored to possess healing properties, even as an antidote for snake bites. But could these unassuming plants also hold the key to managing high blood pressure?

Recent scientific investigation is shedding light on the potential of Cyperaceae plants to lower blood pressure. Researchers have been diligently studying the in vitro and in vivo effects of these plants, specifically focusing on their ability to inhibit the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE), a crucial player in blood pressure regulation.

This article delves into the groundbreaking research uncovering the hypotensive effects and ACE-inhibitory activity of select Cyperaceae species. We'll explore how these plants might offer a new avenue for natural blood pressure management, offering hope for those seeking alternative solutions.

ACE Inhibition: How These Plants Could Lower Your Blood Pressure?

Cyperaceae plants interwoven with a heart, symbolizing blood pressure reduction.

The key to Cyperaceae's potential lies in its ability to inhibit ACE. ACE, or Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme, is an enzyme in the body that increases blood pressure by producing angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. By inhibiting ACE, these plants could help to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

Researchers in Brazil evaluated eight ethanolic extracts from Cyperaceae species. The researchers used colorimetric assays to assess the in vitro ACE inhibitory activity, as well as the total phenolic and flavonoid content, and the hypotensive effects of the active species Rhychonospora exaltata (ERE) using in vivo ACE assays.

In Vitro ACE Inhibition: Bulbostylis capillaris and Rhychonospora exaltata extracts showed significant ACE inhibition in laboratory tests.
Total Phenolics and Flavonoids: The study indicated that high levels of phenolics and flavonoids contributed to the ACE inhibitory activity.
In Vivo Hypotensive Effect: Rhychonospora exaltata (ERE) demonstrated a dose-dependent hypotensive effect in Wistar Kyoto rats.

The study showed that ERE not only had a hypotensive effect but also exhibited ACE inhibitory effects in vivo. This suggests that Cyperaceae species have ACE inhibitory activity in vitro, as well as a high content of total phenolic and flavonoids. The fact that ERE inhibits ACE both in vitro and in vivo, makes it a promising natural alternative for the treatment of hypertension.

A New Hope for Natural Hypertension Management?

The research suggests that Cyperaceae species, particularly Rhynchospora exaltata, possess promising ACE-inhibitory and hypotensive properties. These findings open doors for exploring new natural remedies for hypertension management.

However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action, identify the specific compounds responsible for the observed effects, and determine the optimal dosage and safety profiles for human consumption.

The traditional use of Cyperaceae plants as antidotes, coupled with the in vitro ACE inhibition assays, could serve as a biomonitoring method for discovering new medicinal plants with hypotensive properties, paving the way for innovative approaches to cardiovascular health.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/s1984-82502013000400020, Alternate LINK

Title: In Vivo Hypotensive Effect And In Vitro Inhibitory Activity Of Some Cyperaceae Species

Subject: General Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics

Journal: Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Monica Lacerda Lopes Martins, Henrique Poltronieri Pacheco, Iara Giuberti Perini, Dominik Lenz, Tadeu Uggere De Andrade, Denise Coutinho Endringer

Published: 2013-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the main focus of the research discussed?

The research focuses on plants from the Cyperaceae family, specifically examining their potential to combat hypertension. The study concentrates on their ability to inhibit Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE), which is a key factor in blood pressure regulation. The research highlights the potential of these plants to offer a natural alternative for managing high blood pressure.

What is the role of ACE and why is it important in this context?

ACE, or Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme, is an enzyme in the body that increases blood pressure. It achieves this by producing angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. The study explores how Cyperaceae plants, by inhibiting ACE, could help relax blood vessels, subsequently leading to lower blood pressure. This is a significant finding as it suggests a direct mechanism by which these plants might offer therapeutic benefits for hypertension.

What types of tests were conducted during the study?

The research involved evaluating eight ethanolic extracts from Cyperaceae species. The investigation included in vitro ACE inhibitory activity assessments, total phenolic and flavonoid content measurements, and in vivo hypotensive effect evaluations. The primary focus was on understanding the ACE-inhibitory activity, the role of phenolics and flavonoids in this activity, and the overall impact on blood pressure in laboratory settings and animal models.

What specific results were found regarding Rhynchospora exaltata (ERE)?

Rhynchospora exaltata (ERE) demonstrated a dose-dependent hypotensive effect in Wistar Kyoto rats, along with significant ACE inhibitory activity. This means that as the dosage of ERE increased, the blood pressure decreased proportionally in the rats. The research indicates that the ERE has ACE inhibitory effects in vitro, meaning in laboratory tests, and in vivo, meaning within a living organism, making it a promising candidate for natural hypertension treatment.

What is the significance of these findings?

The study's findings suggest that Cyperaceae species, and particularly Rhynchospora exaltata, have promising ACE-inhibitory and hypotensive properties. These results are important because they open up the possibility of discovering new, natural remedies for hypertension management. The exploration of these plants may lead to new approaches in treating high blood pressure, providing alternative options for those seeking natural health solutions.