Ginger and ginger hypertension : effect on blood pressure and vessels

High blood pressure (hypertension) affects 30% of Belgian adults according to Sciensano. It is the main modifiable risk factor for stroke, heart attack and kidney failure. The ginger is studied for its natural vasoactive effects.

Meta-analysis 2019: results on tension

A meta-analysis of Phytomedicine (Wang et al., 2019) integrating 6 randomized controlled trials (n=357) shows:

• Systolic pressure : average reduction of -6.36 mmHg
• Diastolic pressure : reduction of -2.12 mmHg
• Significant effect for supplements ≥3g/day
• More marked effect in patients with stage 1 hypertension

For reference: a reduction of 5-6 mmHg in systolic pressure reduces the risk of stroke by 13% and heart attack by 9% (meta-analysis Blood Pressure Lowering Treatment Trialists).

Vascular mechanisms of ginger

1. Inhibition of calcium channels

[6]-gingerol inhibits voltage-gated calcium channels (Vmax) in vascular smooth muscle cells—the same mechanism as calcium antagonists (amlodipine, verapamil). Result: vasodilation of the arterioles (Ghayur & Gilani, 2005, Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology).

2. Stimulation of muscarinic receptors

Ginger extracts stimulate endothelial muscarinic receptors, inducing the release of nitric oxide (NO) — the main physiological vasodilator.

3. ACE inhibition

Ginger moderately inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a mechanism identical to ACE inhibitor drugs (lisinopril, enalapril) — but with much less potency.

4. Mild diuretic effect

Ginger slightly increases diuresis, helping to reduce plasma volume and therefore blood pressure.

5. Anti-platelet aggregation action

Reduction of blood viscosity → improvement of vascular rheology.

NRTIs vs antihypertensives: perspective

Important : Ginger is NOT a treatment for medically diagnosed high blood pressure. Antihypertensives (ACE inhibitors, sartans, beta blockers) have level 1 evidence with reductions of 10-20 mmHg.

The role of ginger is that of a preventive and optimization supplement :

• Pre-hypertension (130-139/80-89 mmHg) without immediate medical indication
• Complement to a healthy lifestyle (DASH diet, exercise, salt reduction)
• Normotensive patients seeking to preserve their vascular capital

Important precautions

• Interaction with antihypertensives : potentially additive effect → monitor blood pressure if taken concomitantly
• Orthostatic hypotension : increased risk if combined with diuretics
• Severe or poorly controlled hypertension : priority medical treatment

INTI Drink and vascular health

The shot INTI fits into a cardiovascular routine:

• Ginger: vasodilator and anti-aggregant effect
• Curcumin + piperine: anti-inflammatory ginger endothelial
• Organic erythritol: GI 0, no glycemic impact (sugar raises blood pressure)
• 1.19g sugar/100ml: neutral glycemic load

Recommendation for vascular health: 1 NRTI shot daily in the morning, for 3+ months.

INTI Drink: organic ginger in Belgium from Peru, turmeric, lemon organic, turmeric-black-pepper-synergy-benefits">black pepper, cayenne pepper, bloating-erythritol">erythritol and ginger and digestion organic. Made in Belgium.