Researchers at the University of Swabi have unveiled how mushrooms may influence the biology of hypertension at the molecular level. The findings appear in Phytotherapy Research.
The team evaluated a range of studies looking at how edible fungi interact with blood pressure control. They identified several biologically active mushroom-derived compounds, including lovastatin, cordycepin, ergosterol, and erytadenine, that appear to modulate gene activity linked to cardiovascular function. While these substances show promise as potential drug candidates to help lower blood pressure, the researchers stress that further work is needed to confirm their therapeutic value and safety in humans.
Multiple investigations indicate that incorporating mushrooms into established dietary patterns can support blood pressure management. Specifically, mushrooms have been studied alongside the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet, both of which aim to stabilize blood pressure through nutrient-dense, plant-forward eating patterns. The DASH framework emphasizes minerals and fiber that support vascular health, while the Mediterranean approach centers on whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats. In addition, several mushroom components may influence cholesterol synthesis by reducing the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in producing cholesterol in the body.
Experts conclude that adding mushrooms to meals could contribute to hypertension prevention as part of an overall healthy eating plan, but it should not be viewed as a substitute for medical care or prescribed treatments.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A typical healthy range is a mean diastolic blood pressure around 80 mm Hg and a mean systolic blood pressure near 120 mm Hg. Across different health systems, the threshold used to define hypertension varies, commonly marked by systolic readings at or above about 130–140 mm Hg and diastolic readings at or above 90 mm Hg. These differences reflect evolving guidelines and population-specific targets, rather than a single universal standard. In practical terms, maintaining blood pressure within a broad, healthy window remains a central goal of cardiovascular prevention and ongoing medical management. For individuals with hypertension, a combination of diet, physical activity, and, when necessary, pharmacological therapy, continues to be the recommended approach. For clinicians, translating these insights into dietary advice often means encouraging regular inclusion of diverse, minimally processed foods, including mushrooms, as part of a balanced plan tailored to each patient’s needs.