Hypertension is a main cause of morbidity and mortality in both developed and developing countries. The disease, which is also known as a “silent killer,” is associated with uncontrolled blood pressure and contributes to the development of many chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease and stroke. Factors such as sedentary lifestyle, physical inactivity, and unhealthy dietary habits are implicated in its increasing prevalence over the years. In addition to the social-economic factors and increased incidence of diabetes and obesity, modernized lifestyle plays a predominant role in the increasing prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension seen especially in developing countries.

To date, although a number of pharmacologic agents are available in the treatment of hypertension, achieving an adequate blood pressure control in many hypertensive subjects remains a challenge. Poor compliance to medications, reduced drug effectiveness, drug unaffordability or unavailability, and adverse effects of medications are some important issues. Many current antihypertensive agents do not modulate oxidative stress which is an important pathophysiologic pathway of hypertension. In addition, there are many natural products whose therapeutic potentials remain unexplored. Plant extracts, which are rich in bioactive substances including flavonoids, are potent modulators of oxidative stress. This special issue aims to examine the current progress in the search for nonpharmacologic approaches in the prevention and treatment of hypertension. We welcome high original research as well as review articles that fall within the scope of this special issue.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• The role of bioactive compounds in plant extracts in the treatment of hypertension
• The role of other natural product-containing bioactive compounds including flavonoids in the treatment of hypertension
• The role of antioxidants from natural products in the treatment of hypertension
• The role of physical activity and exercise in the treatment of hypertension
• The role of dietary interventions for the prevention and treatment of hypertension
• The role of lifestyle changes and weight loss for the prevention and treatment of hypertension
• Utilization of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) for the prevention and treatment of hypertension