Natural Beta-Blockers: Do They Really Work?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNatural Beta-Blocker NutrientsMagnesiumL-ArgininePotassiumNatural Beta-Blocker HerbsOther ConsiderationsFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Natural Beta-Blocker Nutrients

Magnesium

L-Arginine

Potassium

Natural Beta-Blocker Herbs

Other Considerations

Frequently Asked Questions

Abeta-blockeris a class of drugs that blocks the stress hormonesepinephrine (adrenaline)andnorepinephrine (noradrenaline)from binding to specific receptors (beta receptors) in the following places in your body:

This action then blocks the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine. This decreases the following:

Due to the therapeutic effects that result from blocking epinephrine and norepinephrine, beta-blockers are used for the following medical conditions:

Some nutritional supplements, like the following, have beta-blocker effects:

Herbal supplements, such as hawthorn, garlic, and red yeast rice, also serve as natural beta-blockers.

This article discusses some nutritional and herbal supplements that act as natural beta-blockers as well as their dosage and safety concerns.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. This means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), or pharmacist.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. This means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.

Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), or pharmacist.

An analysis of studies showed thatmagnesium supplementationin people with normal and high blood pressure decreased both:

The blood pressure–lowering effect of magnesium is due to its ability to relax the blood vessels and smooth muscles.

Magnesium deficiency is known to cause a type of irregular heart rhythm calledventricular arrhythmia. This condition increases the risk ofsudden cardiac death (SCD), a life-threatening condition in which the heart stops pumping blood.

Magnesium shows potential protective effects against SCD. A study of 7,887 subjects revealed a higher risk among those with low blood levels. However, limitations include the inability to assess magnesium levels just before an SCD event, preventing baseline level comparisons, or identifying sudden drops.

According to the American Heart Association guideline, magnesium may be considered for treating a type of irregular heart rhythm calledtorsades de pointesassociated withlong-QT interval(causes abnormal electrical conduction in the heart).

Another similarity between beta-blockers and magnesium is that both play a role incongestive heart failure. Magnesium supplementation plus medical treatment in people with severe congestive heart failure (classified asNYHA or New York Heart Association IV) increased survival rate and improved clinical symptoms and quality of life.

Dosage

In general, the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for magnesium are as follows:

Magnesium supplements are available in two different salt forms, as follows:

The organic salt form of magnesium is preferred due to higher absorption.

Listed below are some of the dosing regimens of magnesium used in clinical trials for various medical conditions:

Close up shot of an older woman organizing medications.FilippoBacci / Getty Images

FilippoBacci / Getty Images

Food Sources of Magnesium

Foods rich in magnesiuminclude green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and fiber-rich foods.

Listed below are the magnesium content of selected foods:

Side Effects

Too much magnesium from dietary supplements or medications can cause diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramping. The forms of magnesium most commonly associated with diarrhea are magnesium carbonate, chloride, gluconate, and oxide.

Precautions

The risk of magnesium toxicity increases with poor kidney function orkidney failure. Symptoms of magnesium toxicity include the following:

Caution should be taken in people with poor kidney function due to an increased risk of heart block or high magnesium levels.

Interactions

Magnesium interacts with the following drugs:

Using magnesium at the same time with the following drugs may increase magnesium levels in the blood:

The blood-pressure-lowering effect of L-arginine is due to its ability to increasenitric oxide (NO)formation. Nitric oxide widens and relaxes the blood vessels.

For high blood pressure, the daily dose of L-arginine in studies ranged from 2 to 30 grams (g), taken from four to 180 days. It is suggested that consuming low doses of L-arginine (i.e., less than or equal to 9 g per day) for a short period (i.e., less than or equal to 24 days) is more effective than consuming higher doses for longer durations.

Food Sources of L-Arginine

L-arginine is an amino acid (a building block of protein) that can be obtained from dietary sources or produced inside the body.

It can be found in the following food sources:

Side effects reported with the use of L-arginine include the following:

Caution should be taken in the following cases:

L-arginine interacts with the following medications:

A review of a group of studies suggested that long-term (at least four weeks) moderate supplementation with potassium reduced blood pressure, especially in people who had:

However, the study was limited in that the influence of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors could not be assessed.

Despite evidence showing that potassium decreases blood pressure, in people with high blood pressure treated with a blood pressure–lowering drug, it is advisednotto exceed the potassium intake levels if potassium intake is high at baseline. Paradoxically, high doses of potassium may result in a higher level of blood pressure in this case.

Forms of potassium used in clinical studies include potassium chloride, citrate, carbonate, aspartate, and/or glucuronate; doses generally ranged from 1,167–4,667 mg per day.

The duration of potassium supplementation ranged between eight and 12 weeks.

Food Sources of Potassium

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily potassium intake of around 3,500 mg in adults and children.

Potassium is found in many fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Meats, poultry, yogurt, and nuts are also sources of potassium.

Listed below are the  potassium content of selected foods in milligrams (mg) per serving:

Caution should be taken in people with the following conditions:

While potassium causes upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea, symptoms of too much potassium can have the following effects:

Potassium interacts with some medications, such as the following:

It is essential to check your potassium levels if you take the above medications, especially if you have impaired kidney function.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

An analysis of a group of studies showed thatomega-3 fatty acidsupplementation consisting ofdocosahexaenoic acid (DHA)andeicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)reduced blood pressure. However, one of the limitations of the studies was the various methods of blood pressure measurement (automatic vs. manual).

The results from the study suggested that omega-3 fatty acids had a larger reduction insystolic blood pressurein people with high blood pressure and high cholesterol compared to those without such conditions.

For blood pressure control, the optimal daily dose of omega-3 fatty acid is 3 g.

Food Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Listed below are the DHA and EPA contents of selected foods in grams per serving:

Common and mild side effects of omega-3 supplements include the following:

Although the FDA concluded that dietary supplements providing no more than 5 g per day of EPA and DHA are safe, caution should still be taken in people with certain medical conditions.

In people at high risk of heart disease, the intake of 4 g per day of omega-3 supplements for several years increased the risk ofatrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat.

High doses of DHA and/or EPA (900 mg/day of EPA plus 600 mg/day DHA or more for several weeks) reduce immune function due to suppression of inflammatory responses.

Doses of 2–15 grams per day of EPA and/or DHA reduce blood clotting and increase bleeding time.

The following include interactions with omega-3 fatty acids:

Herbs and supplements that slow blood clotting: Taking omega-3s with herbs or supplements that slow blood clotting may have additive effects. Examples of supplements that slow blood clotting includegarlic,ginger,ginkgo,nattokinase, andPanax ginseng.

Hawthorn

Several clinical studies showed thathawthornimproved the typical symptoms of heart failure, such as the following:

Moreover, the German Commission E approved the use of extracts of hawthorn leaf with flowers for people with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 2 symptoms.

A systematic review suggested that hawthorn reduced blood pressure in people with mild hypertension when given for at least 12 weeks. However, more rigorous studies are needed to confirm the result.

In the heart failure study, the recommended daily dose of hawthorn extract is 160–900 mg.

In the high blood pressure study, specificallystage 1 hypertension, the dose of hawthorn is 450 mg twice daily for 12 weeks.

Side effects of hawthorn include the following:

No serious safety problems have been reported in most studies looking at the effect of hawthorn on heart failure. However, one study showed that people taking hawthorn were more likely than their counterparts to have worsening heart failure.

The safety of hawthorn use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is unknown.

Hawthorn increases the effects of heart medications, such asLanoxin (digoxin), a drug used to treatheart failureandatrial fibrillation (AFib). Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting hawthorn.

Hawthorn extract may also interact with anticoagulants (blood thinners) and antihypertensives (blood pressure-lowering drugs).

Garlic

A review of a group of studies showed that garlic supplements lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. However, larger and longer-term studies are needed to clarify the result due to inconsistent findings among the studies.

In the setting of high blood pressure, a clinical trial used garlic supplements in doses ranging from 600–900 mg per day.

Mild side effects of garlic include burping, flatulence, and reflux.

Garlic may increase the effects of blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, and reduce the efficacy ofantiretroviral therapy, such asprotease inhibitors.

Red Yeast Rice

In a Japanese clinical trial consisting of people with milddyslipidemia(abnormal cholesterol levels), red yeast rice reduced not onlylow-density lipoprotein (LDL)cholesterol(“bad cholesterol”) but also blood pressure. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed.

A clinical study used low-dose red yeast rice (200 mg/day) containing 2 mg of monacolin K for eight weeks.

Monacolin K is structurally identical to Mevacor (lovastatin). So, red yeast rice containing monacolin K has side effects similar tostatin drugs, including muscle, kidney, and liver damage. Other side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain.

Caution should be taken with red yeast rice products as some contain a toxic contaminant called citrinin that can damage the kidneys.

Red yeast rice should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety studies.

Red yeast rice products can have similar types of drug interactions as statin drugs. As such, speak with your healthcare provider before adding red yeast rice to your regimen.

Other Considerations for Blood Pressure Health

Lifestyle modifications, such as the following, are important for maintaining blood pressure health:

Summary

Nutritional and herbal supplements considered natural beta-blockers include the following:

These primarily mimic the blood-pressure-lowering effect of beta-blocker drugs.

However, such natural beta-blockers should be used with caution if you have certain medical conditions or take certain prescription drugs or supplements due to potential additive effects.

It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.

It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.

Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.

Natural beta-blockers are nutrients and herbal supplements that mimic the effects of prescription beta-blocker drugs.Beta-blocker drugs are used for high blood pressure, chest pain, heart failure, post-heart attack, irregular heart rhythm, migraine headache prevention (off-label), and other uses. Like prescription beta-blocker drugs, the following supplements lower blood pressure:MagnesiumL-ArgininePotassiumOmega-3 fatty acidsHawthornGarlicRed yeast rice

Natural beta-blockers are nutrients and herbal supplements that mimic the effects of prescription beta-blocker drugs.

Beta-blocker drugs are used for high blood pressure, chest pain, heart failure, post-heart attack, irregular heart rhythm, migraine headache prevention (off-label), and other uses. Like prescription beta-blocker drugs, the following supplements lower blood pressure:

While there is no single best natural beta-blocker, as each has its own precautions and drug interaction concerns, each differs in its degree of similarity to prescription beta-blocker drugs. Some play a role in solely lowering blood pressure, while others play a role in lowering blood pressure and improving symptoms of heart failure.For example, magnesium not only plays a role in lowering blood pressure but also in treating irregular heart rhythms, congestive heart failure, and migraine headaches.Studies have shown that, in addition to lowering blood pressure, hawthorn also improves heart failure symptoms, similar to beta-blocker drugs.

While there is no single best natural beta-blocker, as each has its own precautions and drug interaction concerns, each differs in its degree of similarity to prescription beta-blocker drugs. Some play a role in solely lowering blood pressure, while others play a role in lowering blood pressure and improving symptoms of heart failure.

For example, magnesium not only plays a role in lowering blood pressure but also in treating irregular heart rhythms, congestive heart failure, and migraine headaches.

Studies have shown that, in addition to lowering blood pressure, hawthorn also improves heart failure symptoms, similar to beta-blocker drugs.

While natural beta-blocker drugs have downstream effects similar to beta-blocker drugs, such as in lowering blood pressure, their modes of action differ. For example, magnesium has a positive impact on people with diabetes.In contrast, beta-blocker drugs can increase blood sugar levels.

In contrast, certain types of beta-blockers can worsen respiratory disorders, including asthma.

Whereas arginine supplements have been suggested to improve mild to moderateerectile dysfunction,beta-blocker drugscan cause sexual dysfunction.

Beta-blockers are beneficial post-heart attack; however, L-arginine should be avoided after a recent heart attack due to the increased risk of death, especially in older adults.

29 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cloud AME, Vilcins D, McEwen BJ.The effect of hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) on blood pressure: A systematic review.Advances in Integrative Medicine. 2019;7(3)Gröber U, Schmidt J, Kisters K.Magnesium in prevention and therapy.Nutrients. 2015;7(9):8199-8226. doi:10.3390/nu7095388Peacock JM, Ohira T, Post W, et al.Serum magnesium and risk of sudden cardiac death in the atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) Study.Am Heart J. 2010;160(3):464-470. doi:10.1016/j.ahj.2010.06.012American Heart Association.2018 American Heart Association focused update on advanced cardiovascular life support use of antiarrhythmic drugs during and immediately after cardiac arrest: an update to the American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Magnesium.Fiorentini D, Cappadone C, Farruggia G, et al.Magnesium: Biochemistry, nutrition, detection, and social impact of diseases linked to its deficiency.Nutrients. 2021;13(4):1136. doi:10.3390/nu13041136Chiu HY, Yeh TH, Huang YC, Chen PY.Effects of intravenous and oral magnesium on reducing migraine: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Pain Physician. 2016;19(1):E97-E112Liamis G, Hoorn EJ, Florentin M, Milionis H.An overview of diagnosis and management of drug-induced hypomagnesemia.Pharmacol Res Perspect. 2021;9(4):e00829. doi:10.1002/prp2.829Shiraseb F, Asbaghi O, Bagheri R, et al.Effect of l-arginine supplementation on blood pressure in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Adv Nutr. 2022;13(4):1226-1242. doi:10.1093/advances/nmab155d’Unienville NMA, Blake HT, Coates AM, et al.Effect of food sources of nitrate, polyphenols, L-arginine and L-citrulline on endurance exercise performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021;18(1):76. doi:10.1186/s12970-021-00472-yMedlinePlus.L-Arginine.Filippini T, Violi F, D’Amico R, et al.The effect of potassium supplementation on blood pressure in hypertensive subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Int J Cardiol. 2017;230:127-135. doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.12.048Filippini T, Naska A, Kasdagli MI, et al.Potassium intake and blood pressure: a dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Am Heart Assoc. 2020;9(12):e015719. doi:10.1161/JAHA.119.015719National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Potassium.Zhang X, Ritonja JA, Zhou N, Chen BE, Li X.Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and blood pressure: a dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Am Heart Assoc. 2022;11(11):e025071. doi:10.1161/JAHA.121.025071National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Omega-3 Fatty Acids.Cicero AFG, Colletti A.Nutraceuticals and dietary supplements to improve quality of life and outcomes in heart failure patients.Curr Pharm Des. 2017;23(8):1265-1272. doi:10.2174/1381612823666170124120518Pittler MH, Schmidt K, Ernst E.Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials.Am J Med. 2003;114(8):665-674. doi:10.1016/s0002-9343(03)00131-1National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Hawthorn.Orhan IE.Phytochemical and pharmacological activity profile of Crataegus oxyacantha L. (hawthorn) - a cardiotonic herb.Curr Med Chem. 2018;25(37):4854-4865. doi:10.2174/0929867323666160919095519Ried K.Garlic lowers blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, regulates serum cholesterol, and stimulates immunity: an updated meta-analysis and review.J Nutr. 2016;146(2):389S-396S. doi:10.3945/jn.114.202192Matsutomo T.Potential benefits of garlic and other dietary supplements for the management of hypertension.Exp Ther Med. 2020;19(2):1479-1484. doi:10.3892/etm.2019.8375Borrelli F, Capasso R, Izzo AA.Garlic (Allium sativum L.): adverse effects and drug interactions in humans.Mol Nutr Food Res. 2007;51(11):1386-1397. doi:10.1002/mnfr.200700072Minamizuka T, Koshizaka M, Shoji M, et al.Low dose red yeast rice with monacolin K lowers LDL cholesterol and blood pressure in Japanese with mild dyslipidemia: A multicenter, randomized trial.Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2021;30(3):424-435. doi:10.6133/apjcn.202109_30(3).0009National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Red yeast rice: what you need to know.Saco-Ledo G, Valenzuela PL, Ruiz-Hurtado G, et al.Exercise reduces ambulatory blood pressure in patients with hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Am Heart Assoc. 2020;9(24):e018487. doi:10.1161/JAHA.120.018487Mahmood S, Shah KU, Khan TM, et al.Non-pharmacological management of hypertension: in the light of current research.Ir J Med Sci. 2019;188(2):437-452. doi:10.1007/s11845-018-1889-8Nakamura Y, Watanabe H, Tanaka A, et al.Effect of increased daily water intake and hydration on health in Japanese adults.Nutrients. 2020;12(4):1191. doi:10.3390/nu12041191Rhim HC, Kim MS, Park YJ, et al.The potential role of arginine supplements on erectile dysfunction: a systemic review and meta-analysis[published correction appears in J Sex Med. 2020 Mar;17(3):560].J Sex Med. 2019;16(2):223-234. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.12.002

29 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cloud AME, Vilcins D, McEwen BJ.The effect of hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) on blood pressure: A systematic review.Advances in Integrative Medicine. 2019;7(3)Gröber U, Schmidt J, Kisters K.Magnesium in prevention and therapy.Nutrients. 2015;7(9):8199-8226. doi:10.3390/nu7095388Peacock JM, Ohira T, Post W, et al.Serum magnesium and risk of sudden cardiac death in the atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) Study.Am Heart J. 2010;160(3):464-470. doi:10.1016/j.ahj.2010.06.012American Heart Association.2018 American Heart Association focused update on advanced cardiovascular life support use of antiarrhythmic drugs during and immediately after cardiac arrest: an update to the American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Magnesium.Fiorentini D, Cappadone C, Farruggia G, et al.Magnesium: Biochemistry, nutrition, detection, and social impact of diseases linked to its deficiency.Nutrients. 2021;13(4):1136. doi:10.3390/nu13041136Chiu HY, Yeh TH, Huang YC, Chen PY.Effects of intravenous and oral magnesium on reducing migraine: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Pain Physician. 2016;19(1):E97-E112Liamis G, Hoorn EJ, Florentin M, Milionis H.An overview of diagnosis and management of drug-induced hypomagnesemia.Pharmacol Res Perspect. 2021;9(4):e00829. doi:10.1002/prp2.829Shiraseb F, Asbaghi O, Bagheri R, et al.Effect of l-arginine supplementation on blood pressure in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Adv Nutr. 2022;13(4):1226-1242. doi:10.1093/advances/nmab155d’Unienville NMA, Blake HT, Coates AM, et al.Effect of food sources of nitrate, polyphenols, L-arginine and L-citrulline on endurance exercise performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021;18(1):76. doi:10.1186/s12970-021-00472-yMedlinePlus.L-Arginine.Filippini T, Violi F, D’Amico R, et al.The effect of potassium supplementation on blood pressure in hypertensive subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Int J Cardiol. 2017;230:127-135. doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.12.048Filippini T, Naska A, Kasdagli MI, et al.Potassium intake and blood pressure: a dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Am Heart Assoc. 2020;9(12):e015719. doi:10.1161/JAHA.119.015719National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Potassium.Zhang X, Ritonja JA, Zhou N, Chen BE, Li X.Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and blood pressure: a dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Am Heart Assoc. 2022;11(11):e025071. doi:10.1161/JAHA.121.025071National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Omega-3 Fatty Acids.Cicero AFG, Colletti A.Nutraceuticals and dietary supplements to improve quality of life and outcomes in heart failure patients.Curr Pharm Des. 2017;23(8):1265-1272. doi:10.2174/1381612823666170124120518Pittler MH, Schmidt K, Ernst E.Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials.Am J Med. 2003;114(8):665-674. doi:10.1016/s0002-9343(03)00131-1National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Hawthorn.Orhan IE.Phytochemical and pharmacological activity profile of Crataegus oxyacantha L. (hawthorn) - a cardiotonic herb.Curr Med Chem. 2018;25(37):4854-4865. doi:10.2174/0929867323666160919095519Ried K.Garlic lowers blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, regulates serum cholesterol, and stimulates immunity: an updated meta-analysis and review.J Nutr. 2016;146(2):389S-396S. doi:10.3945/jn.114.202192Matsutomo T.Potential benefits of garlic and other dietary supplements for the management of hypertension.Exp Ther Med. 2020;19(2):1479-1484. doi:10.3892/etm.2019.8375Borrelli F, Capasso R, Izzo AA.Garlic (Allium sativum L.): adverse effects and drug interactions in humans.Mol Nutr Food Res. 2007;51(11):1386-1397. doi:10.1002/mnfr.200700072Minamizuka T, Koshizaka M, Shoji M, et al.Low dose red yeast rice with monacolin K lowers LDL cholesterol and blood pressure in Japanese with mild dyslipidemia: A multicenter, randomized trial.Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2021;30(3):424-435. doi:10.6133/apjcn.202109_30(3).0009National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Red yeast rice: what you need to know.Saco-Ledo G, Valenzuela PL, Ruiz-Hurtado G, et al.Exercise reduces ambulatory blood pressure in patients with hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Am Heart Assoc. 2020;9(24):e018487. doi:10.1161/JAHA.120.018487Mahmood S, Shah KU, Khan TM, et al.Non-pharmacological management of hypertension: in the light of current research.Ir J Med Sci. 2019;188(2):437-452. doi:10.1007/s11845-018-1889-8Nakamura Y, Watanabe H, Tanaka A, et al.Effect of increased daily water intake and hydration on health in Japanese adults.Nutrients. 2020;12(4):1191. doi:10.3390/nu12041191Rhim HC, Kim MS, Park YJ, et al.The potential role of arginine supplements on erectile dysfunction: a systemic review and meta-analysis[published correction appears in J Sex Med. 2020 Mar;17(3):560].J Sex Med. 2019;16(2):223-234. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.12.002

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Cloud AME, Vilcins D, McEwen BJ.The effect of hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) on blood pressure: A systematic review.Advances in Integrative Medicine. 2019;7(3)Gröber U, Schmidt J, Kisters K.Magnesium in prevention and therapy.Nutrients. 2015;7(9):8199-8226. doi:10.3390/nu7095388Peacock JM, Ohira T, Post W, et al.Serum magnesium and risk of sudden cardiac death in the atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) Study.Am Heart J. 2010;160(3):464-470. doi:10.1016/j.ahj.2010.06.012American Heart Association.2018 American Heart Association focused update on advanced cardiovascular life support use of antiarrhythmic drugs during and immediately after cardiac arrest: an update to the American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Magnesium.Fiorentini D, Cappadone C, Farruggia G, et al.Magnesium: Biochemistry, nutrition, detection, and social impact of diseases linked to its deficiency.Nutrients. 2021;13(4):1136. doi:10.3390/nu13041136Chiu HY, Yeh TH, Huang YC, Chen PY.Effects of intravenous and oral magnesium on reducing migraine: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Pain Physician. 2016;19(1):E97-E112Liamis G, Hoorn EJ, Florentin M, Milionis H.An overview of diagnosis and management of drug-induced hypomagnesemia.Pharmacol Res Perspect. 2021;9(4):e00829. doi:10.1002/prp2.829Shiraseb F, Asbaghi O, Bagheri R, et al.Effect of l-arginine supplementation on blood pressure in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Adv Nutr. 2022;13(4):1226-1242. doi:10.1093/advances/nmab155d’Unienville NMA, Blake HT, Coates AM, et al.Effect of food sources of nitrate, polyphenols, L-arginine and L-citrulline on endurance exercise performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021;18(1):76. doi:10.1186/s12970-021-00472-yMedlinePlus.L-Arginine.Filippini T, Violi F, D’Amico R, et al.The effect of potassium supplementation on blood pressure in hypertensive subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Int J Cardiol. 2017;230:127-135. doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.12.048Filippini T, Naska A, Kasdagli MI, et al.Potassium intake and blood pressure: a dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Am Heart Assoc. 2020;9(12):e015719. doi:10.1161/JAHA.119.015719National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Potassium.Zhang X, Ritonja JA, Zhou N, Chen BE, Li X.Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and blood pressure: a dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Am Heart Assoc. 2022;11(11):e025071. doi:10.1161/JAHA.121.025071National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Omega-3 Fatty Acids.Cicero AFG, Colletti A.Nutraceuticals and dietary supplements to improve quality of life and outcomes in heart failure patients.Curr Pharm Des. 2017;23(8):1265-1272. doi:10.2174/1381612823666170124120518Pittler MH, Schmidt K, Ernst E.Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials.Am J Med. 2003;114(8):665-674. doi:10.1016/s0002-9343(03)00131-1National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Hawthorn.Orhan IE.Phytochemical and pharmacological activity profile of Crataegus oxyacantha L. (hawthorn) - a cardiotonic herb.Curr Med Chem. 2018;25(37):4854-4865. doi:10.2174/0929867323666160919095519Ried K.Garlic lowers blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, regulates serum cholesterol, and stimulates immunity: an updated meta-analysis and review.J Nutr. 2016;146(2):389S-396S. doi:10.3945/jn.114.202192Matsutomo T.Potential benefits of garlic and other dietary supplements for the management of hypertension.Exp Ther Med. 2020;19(2):1479-1484. doi:10.3892/etm.2019.8375Borrelli F, Capasso R, Izzo AA.Garlic (Allium sativum L.): adverse effects and drug interactions in humans.Mol Nutr Food Res. 2007;51(11):1386-1397. doi:10.1002/mnfr.200700072Minamizuka T, Koshizaka M, Shoji M, et al.Low dose red yeast rice with monacolin K lowers LDL cholesterol and blood pressure in Japanese with mild dyslipidemia: A multicenter, randomized trial.Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2021;30(3):424-435. doi:10.6133/apjcn.202109_30(3).0009National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Red yeast rice: what you need to know.Saco-Ledo G, Valenzuela PL, Ruiz-Hurtado G, et al.Exercise reduces ambulatory blood pressure in patients with hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Am Heart Assoc. 2020;9(24):e018487. doi:10.1161/JAHA.120.018487Mahmood S, Shah KU, Khan TM, et al.Non-pharmacological management of hypertension: in the light of current research.Ir J Med Sci. 2019;188(2):437-452. doi:10.1007/s11845-018-1889-8Nakamura Y, Watanabe H, Tanaka A, et al.Effect of increased daily water intake and hydration on health in Japanese adults.Nutrients. 2020;12(4):1191. doi:10.3390/nu12041191Rhim HC, Kim MS, Park YJ, et al.The potential role of arginine supplements on erectile dysfunction: a systemic review and meta-analysis[published correction appears in J Sex Med. 2020 Mar;17(3):560].J Sex Med. 2019;16(2):223-234. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.12.002

Cloud AME, Vilcins D, McEwen BJ.The effect of hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) on blood pressure: A systematic review.Advances in Integrative Medicine. 2019;7(3)

Gröber U, Schmidt J, Kisters K.Magnesium in prevention and therapy.Nutrients. 2015;7(9):8199-8226. doi:10.3390/nu7095388

Peacock JM, Ohira T, Post W, et al.Serum magnesium and risk of sudden cardiac death in the atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) Study.Am Heart J. 2010;160(3):464-470. doi:10.1016/j.ahj.2010.06.012

American Heart Association.2018 American Heart Association focused update on advanced cardiovascular life support use of antiarrhythmic drugs during and immediately after cardiac arrest: an update to the American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care.

National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Magnesium.

Fiorentini D, Cappadone C, Farruggia G, et al.Magnesium: Biochemistry, nutrition, detection, and social impact of diseases linked to its deficiency.Nutrients. 2021;13(4):1136. doi:10.3390/nu13041136

Chiu HY, Yeh TH, Huang YC, Chen PY.Effects of intravenous and oral magnesium on reducing migraine: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Pain Physician. 2016;19(1):E97-E112

Liamis G, Hoorn EJ, Florentin M, Milionis H.An overview of diagnosis and management of drug-induced hypomagnesemia.Pharmacol Res Perspect. 2021;9(4):e00829. doi:10.1002/prp2.829

Shiraseb F, Asbaghi O, Bagheri R, et al.Effect of l-arginine supplementation on blood pressure in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Adv Nutr. 2022;13(4):1226-1242. doi:10.1093/advances/nmab155

d’Unienville NMA, Blake HT, Coates AM, et al.Effect of food sources of nitrate, polyphenols, L-arginine and L-citrulline on endurance exercise performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021;18(1):76. doi:10.1186/s12970-021-00472-y

MedlinePlus.L-Arginine.

Filippini T, Violi F, D’Amico R, et al.The effect of potassium supplementation on blood pressure in hypertensive subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Int J Cardiol. 2017;230:127-135. doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.12.048

Filippini T, Naska A, Kasdagli MI, et al.Potassium intake and blood pressure: a dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Am Heart Assoc. 2020;9(12):e015719. doi:10.1161/JAHA.119.015719

National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Potassium.

Zhang X, Ritonja JA, Zhou N, Chen BE, Li X.Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and blood pressure: a dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Am Heart Assoc. 2022;11(11):e025071. doi:10.1161/JAHA.121.025071

National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

Cicero AFG, Colletti A.Nutraceuticals and dietary supplements to improve quality of life and outcomes in heart failure patients.Curr Pharm Des. 2017;23(8):1265-1272. doi:10.2174/1381612823666170124120518

Pittler MH, Schmidt K, Ernst E.Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials.Am J Med. 2003;114(8):665-674. doi:10.1016/s0002-9343(03)00131-1

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Hawthorn.

Orhan IE.Phytochemical and pharmacological activity profile of Crataegus oxyacantha L. (hawthorn) - a cardiotonic herb.Curr Med Chem. 2018;25(37):4854-4865. doi:10.2174/0929867323666160919095519

Ried K.Garlic lowers blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, regulates serum cholesterol, and stimulates immunity: an updated meta-analysis and review.J Nutr. 2016;146(2):389S-396S. doi:10.3945/jn.114.202192

Matsutomo T.Potential benefits of garlic and other dietary supplements for the management of hypertension.Exp Ther Med. 2020;19(2):1479-1484. doi:10.3892/etm.2019.8375

Borrelli F, Capasso R, Izzo AA.Garlic (Allium sativum L.): adverse effects and drug interactions in humans.Mol Nutr Food Res. 2007;51(11):1386-1397. doi:10.1002/mnfr.200700072

Minamizuka T, Koshizaka M, Shoji M, et al.Low dose red yeast rice with monacolin K lowers LDL cholesterol and blood pressure in Japanese with mild dyslipidemia: A multicenter, randomized trial.Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2021;30(3):424-435. doi:10.6133/apjcn.202109_30(3).0009

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Red yeast rice: what you need to know.

Saco-Ledo G, Valenzuela PL, Ruiz-Hurtado G, et al.Exercise reduces ambulatory blood pressure in patients with hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Am Heart Assoc. 2020;9(24):e018487. doi:10.1161/JAHA.120.018487

Mahmood S, Shah KU, Khan TM, et al.Non-pharmacological management of hypertension: in the light of current research.Ir J Med Sci. 2019;188(2):437-452. doi:10.1007/s11845-018-1889-8

Nakamura Y, Watanabe H, Tanaka A, et al.Effect of increased daily water intake and hydration on health in Japanese adults.Nutrients. 2020;12(4):1191. doi:10.3390/nu12041191

Rhim HC, Kim MS, Park YJ, et al.The potential role of arginine supplements on erectile dysfunction: a systemic review and meta-analysis[published correction appears in J Sex Med. 2020 Mar;17(3):560].J Sex Med. 2019;16(2):223-234. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.12.002

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