Chinese Herb May Lower High Blood Pressure

A Chinese herb called danshen could one day be the foundation of a new treatment for high blood pressure, scientists say.

In a new study, researchers report that an active ingredient in the herb reduces hypertension in hamsters and appears to work by widening blood vessels.

"Traditionally, we knew this was working for high blood pressure, but we didn't know what the mechanism was," said study author David D. Kim, an assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

The roots of danshen, a kind of sage, are used as medicine in Chinese culture. The herb is used to treat heart problems and high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, a condition that affects an estimated 50 million Americans, according to background information for the study.

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