Elevation of blood pressure in moderate hypotension through a Camphor and Crataegus combination is accompanied by an increase of cognitive functions

Introduction The relation between blood pressure and cognitive functions has been studied mainly within the context of hypertension, focusing primarily on elderly patients. Similar studies with persons affected by moderate hypotension are lacking.

Aim The present study aimed at investigating whether in moderate hypotension a short-term elevation of blood pressure is accompanied by an increase of cognitive performance.

Method The study was conducted in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group design. Participants were 120 adults (mean age 26.4 years), with moderate hypotension (blood pressure below 118 mmHg in men, below 110 mmHg in women). They were randomly assigned to 2 groups (N=60) receiving either a single dose of 20 drops of verum (Korodin Herz-Kreislauf-Tropfen) containing 772 mg of Crataegus berry extract and 20 mg D-camphor or placebo. Blood pressure was measured repeatedly at rest and prior to and after substance administration. Cognitive performance was assessed by means of the psychological tests, the d2-Test, measuring concentration capacity and the Digit-Symbol-Test assessing working memory and attention. The tests were made immediately before and after substance administration.

Results The administration of verum led to a significantly (p< .05) greater systolic blood pressure increase (+6.7 mmHg) compared to the placebo group (+0.6 mmHg). After verum a significantly better concentration capacity (41.1 vs. 34.7 test scores, p=.03) was observed and an almost significant trend in working memory /attention (10.1 vs. 8.0 test scores, p=0.07). All 120 participants were clinically examined by a physician for safety; thus no adverse effect was stated, verum and placebo were well tolerated.

Conclusion In moderate hypotension the combination of Camphor and Crataegus increases significantly blood pressure accompanied by an enhancement of cognitive performance.

Publication History

Article published online:
13 June 2022