Philippine E-Journals

The effectiveness of Ocimum basilicum (basil) tea as an adjunct to medications in decreasing the blood pressure of hypertensive individuals

Ileana Anika Domondon | Samantha Alexis Dueñas | Hazel Joy Dungo | Rafael Luis Encarnacion | Kimberly Esteban | Ma. Presentacion Estrada | Alan Evangelista | Izach Evangelista | Michael Jason Fadul | Kenneth Martin Falloria | Reyna Marie Federo | Jose Ronilo G. Juangco

 

Abstract:

Introduction This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of basil tea as an adjunct to antihypertensive medications in decreasing the blood pressure of hypertensive subjects. Methods Hypertensive patients were randomly allocated into either experimental (antihypertensive medications + basil tea) or control (antihypertensive medications alone) group. Experimental subjects drank basil tea twice daily for 28 days, with blood pressure readings done at baseline and on a weekly basis for four weeks. Results A significant difference in systolic blood pressure was elicited for both treatment (p=0.005) and control (p=0.034) groups. There is a significant difference in the mean systolic (p=0.021) and diastolic blood pressure P (p=0.023) between the two groups at the fourth week in the basil tea group. There was a significant difference (p=0.046) in the mean difference in diastolic blood pressure from baseline to Week 4 in the basil tea group. There was a statistically significant decrease in systolic blood pressure between baseline and Week 4 (p=0.05). Conclusion Basil tea, used as an adjunct to anti-hypertensive medications, elicited a statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and a statistically significant difference in change of diastolic blood pressure after four weeks of treatment.