Role of elements in pathophysiology of hypertension and antihypertensive drug development.

Cadmium and Zinc levels were determined in 100 patients of Essential hypertension by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. It was shown that the mean levels of Serum cadmium were 43.34% +/- 6.5% higher and zinc were 28.42% +/- 5.4% lower in hypertensive when compared with normotensive controls. A statistically significant relationship between the height of diastolic blood pressure and Serum cadmium levels was observed. Ajmaloon a preparation from Rauvolfia serpentina with corrective herbs lowered the blood pressure effectively and significantly P less than 0.001. The side effects were minimal. It also tends to decrease the elevated serum cadmium levels in hypertensive individuals. A plea for development of Catecholamine depleting agents as drug for hypertension is advanced.