Traditional Uses

• May assist with cardiovascular conditions
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Mode of Action

• Promotes peripheral vasodilatation, very mild dilation of coronary vessels and increased oxygen use by the heart
• Contains bioflavonoids, procyanidins, catechins, triterpenes which maintains a stable heart rhythm
  • increasing the power of heart contractions
  • increasing the volume pumped with each heart stroke and overall blood flow
  • lowering the heart rate

Drug Interactions

• Digitalis Dosage:may need adjusting. Consult your physician
• Patients on beta blockers (a class of heart medicines) may have increased blood pressure due to increased cardiac output
• May reduce the action of heparin

Cautions

• Use extreme caution when combining with cardiac drugs; take under the supervision of a physician

Recommended Dose

• 300-900 mg daily. (Dose may vary from brand to brand)

References

• Blumenthal, 1998; Chevallier, 1996; Nutriceutica, 1998; Quest, 1996