Anti-hypertension protocol using shark cartilage and Cordyceps sinesis - herb in Chinese medicine

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Feb-March, 2002 by Nelson Kraucak

It's one of the greatest unsolved mysteries physicians learn in medical school. If high levels of the enzyme renin are a primary cause of hypertension then why are 40% of low-renin patients also hypertensive?

In finding effective therapies for my hypertensive patients, I have discovered the work of a researcher whose studies may explain the mystery of why low-renin people can still suffer from high-blood-pressure. Furthermore, this researcher, Dr. Peter Pang, has found two natural, anti-hypertensive substances -- nutrients I've used in my practice to significantly lower the blood pressure of my patients.

As many of you are aware, renin is an enzyme produced by the kidney cells. Its production leads to a series of events that eventually result in high blood pressure. This is because, in the blood, renin splits a large peptide into a smaller peptide that is then cleaved by another enzyme called the angiotensin-converting enzyme. This converting enzyme breaks down further into an even smaller peptide called angiotensin 2 and it is angiotensin 2 that causes blood pressure to rise in high-renin patients. In fact, many hypertensive drugs work by blocking this enzyme, preventing the conversion of angiotensin 1 into 2 that results, in hypertension.

Over the years, I'd tried various natural substances indicated for lowering blood pressure and achieved positive results. I was, however, searching for more consistent and dramatic improvement. That's when I was presented with the research of Dr. Peter Pang and his work with Cordyceps sinesis and shark cartilage. Dr. Pang's research indicated these two substances could indeed be useful in alleviating hypertension.

Before addressing Dr. Pang's research and the principles behind why Cordyceps sinesis and shark cartilage have been successful in alleviating hypertension, I will discuss my clinical perspectives on the use of these two substances in my practice.

I began to incorporate into my treatment regimens a formula called Pressure-FX[R], which includes Cordyceps sinesis and shark cartilage. Prior to adding Cordyceps sinesis and shark cartilage, I first treat with 500 mg. of magnesium, 3 times daily up to bowel tolerance. Sometimes, simply adding magnesium is enough to stabilize the blood pressure. More often, I'll need to add L-carnitine (250-500 mg. once or twice a day) and CoQ010 (30 milligrams once or twice a day of Qgels).

Next, my protocol includes the addition of Pressure-FX. I usually start with 1 capsule three times a day. On one or two occasions I have used one cap twice a day primarily because the patient was unable to remember to consume the third dose.

I've found that many of my patients treated with the Cordyceps sinesis/shark cartilage combination experienced a significant improvement in their blood pressure. During treatment with Pressure-FX, approximately 65% of my patients -- and that's a conservative estimate -- experienced blood pressure that remains under good control. Most times, Pressure-FX in combination with magnesium and CoQ1O is adequate to produce a significant improvement in blood pressure. Occasionally, in cases of hard to control hypertension, a patient must also be maintained on blood pressure medication in addition to the shark cartilage! Cordyceps but in these instances the dosage of blood pressure medication can be reduced considerably after treatment with Pressure-FX.

I will present several case studies to paint a clearer picture of the improvement seen with shark cartilage and Cordyceps sinesis.

Case Study Number One

A 64-year-old male pilot established in my office as a new patient. During the physical exam, I discovered his blood pressure was excessively high: 180/110. As a pilot, he was concerned about keeping his blood pressure controlled, but he was reluctant to take prescription medications to treat the condition. I started him immediately on magnesium, carnitine and Pressure-FX because his blood pressure was so high I worried about his risk of stroke. I asked him to keep a log of his blood pressure.

On subsequent visits his log and readings taken in the office showed his blood pressure dropped to 150s or 160s over 80s or 90s. The best readings were achieved when he was compliant with the treatment protocol. The patient remarked that many times he'd 'forget to take the shark cartilage/Cordyceps combination because he was feeling so good. When the patient consistently adds magnesium along with the Pressure-FX and CoQ10, his blood pressure usually remains in the 130s over 70s -- a significant drop from his pre-treatment 180/110 readings.

Case Study Number Two

A 59-year-old African American female has been taking Pressure-FX for 9 months along with magnesium and CoQ10. At the start of treatment, her blood pressure was 180/100. Her blood pressure log and measurements taken during office visits reveal her blood pressure is now 150/78. The dosage of Pressure-FX is 1 capsule, three times a day.

Case Study Number Three

A 57-year-old realtor, a Caucasian male, first presented with blood pressure in the 180s/90s. Treatment included Pressure-FX (1 cap twice a day), magnesium and chelation therapy. The slightly lower dose of Pressure-FX was to faciliate patient compliance, as he found it difficult to remember to take the third dose of Pressure-FX. After treatment, the patient's blood pressure dropped to 120/70.