A influência dos efeitos anti-hipertensivos da tintura da planta Aloysia polystachya (Griseb) Moldenke (Verbenaceae) na pressão arterial de pacientes hipertensos

Abstract

Arterial Hypertension (AH) is a multifactorial and modifiable clinical condition that affects a large number of the world's population. Aloysia polystachya (Griseb) Moldenke (Verbenaceae), native plant from Argentina, commonly known as Burrito and it is used due to its digestive, calming, and antihypertensive effects. Previous studies have demonstrated positive effects in antihypertensive treatment, but there is no clinical evidence of its use in humans, even though it has been already used in popular medicine. Thus, this study aimed at evaluating the effects of A. polystachya tincture on blood pressure and anxiety profiles of participants from the Morumbi Educational Institute (IEM), as well as at promoting community pharmaceutical assistance actions. This project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Western Paraná State University - UNIOESTE (CAAE: 85465324.5.0000.010). Two interventions were carried out. The first intervention consisted of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 18 hypertensive participants, followed for 30 days. Blood pressure was measured weekly following a standardized protocol. An average reduction of 13.70 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and 10.94 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure was observed, a magnitude considered clinically relevant and consistent with data from the literature. The second intervention included thirteen participants who performed self monitoring of blood pressure and used the tincture for fifteen days. Only five participants submitted their complete data due to low adherence. So, it was observed an average reduction of 9.55 mmHg in systolic blood pressure, with significant interindividual variability. Anxiety levels were assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), applied before and after fifteen days of tincture use. Four participants showed a slight decrease in scores, which suggested an anxiolytic effect limited by the short intervention period. These answers are in accordance with previous studies that indicate more consistent effects after prolonged use period. Alongside the clinical study, pharmaceutical care actions were developed, including educational lectures, blood pressure measurement, anthropometric surveys, and the creation of a community health profile. It is concluded, therefore, that A. polystachya tincture presents potential antihypertensive and anxiolytic effects; however, studies with larger samples, longer durations, and better adherence control are necessary to validate the findings and expand its clinical applicability.