A retrospective clinical study of the safety and efficacy of AFA mixture, an herbal antihypertensive product

Background & Aim: Hypertension is an incurable disease which has become a common major risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases worldwide. Besides increasing the risk of heart diseases and stroke, hypertension can also lead to other health conditions such as renal disease and diabetes. The prolong use of orthodox antihypertensive are usually associated with many side effects coupled with the millions of dollars spent annually for the treatment and detection of heart diseases. However, herbal products with antihypertensive properties offer an alternative and effective way to decrease the rising number of people with hypertension. AFA Mixture is a bi-herbal antihypertensive product on the essential herbal medicine list of the Ministry Of Health of Ghana, used at the pilot centers by Medical Herbalists for about eight years, for the management of hypertension. It is composed of the aqueous stem back extract of Rauwolfia vomitoria and Alstonia boonei. Experimental: This study reports on the retrospective clinical study of AFA Mixture, for hypertensive patients reporting at Tafo Government Hospital, Herbal Medicine Unit. Data on two hundred (200) patients who were diagnosed of hypertension from January 2018 to June 2018 were assessed. Results: The results indicated a decline in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with a mean systolic pressure of 130 mmHg from an initial reading of 160mmHg and a mean diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg from an initial reading of 110mmHg. Kidney and liver function tests were within normal range at the end of the study. Recommended applications/industries: It was concluded that AFA Mixture could be safe and effective in the management of hypertension in motivated clients.