Comparison of the effects of Echium amoenum and Melissa officinalis on hypertension in stage 1 hypertensive patients: A randomized, triple-blind, three-arm clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, and stage 1 hypertension provides a critical window for implementing non-pharmacological interventions. Herbal remedies such as Melissa officinalis and Echium amoenum have shown promising effects on cardiovascular health.

Methods: In this randomized, triple-blind clinical trial, 105 patients with stage 1 hypertension were randomly assigned to three groups: Melissa officinalis (n = 35), Echium amoenum (n = 35), and control (n = 35). Participants received 10 mL of the assigned extract or placebo daily for four weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured weekly. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. The Shapiro-Wilk test indicated that the distribution of blood pressure values was not normal (p < 0.05); therefore, non-parametric tests were used RESULTS: Significant within-group reductions in both SBP and DBP were observed in the Melissa officinalis and Echium amoenum groups (p < 0.001). The Melissa officinalis group had the greatest decrease in SBP (8 mmHg) and DBP (4 mmHg). Between-group comparisons showed significant differences favoring Melissa officinalis over both other groups at weeks 2, 3, and 4 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Both Melissa officinalis and Echium amoenum effectively reduced blood pressure in patients with stage 1 hypertension, with Melissa officinalis demonstrating superior efficacy. These findings support the use of Melissa officinalis as a complementary treatment for hypertension management.

Keywords: Blood Pressure; Complementary Therapies; Echium; Hypertension; Melissa officinalis; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Randomized clinical trial.