ABSTRACT
Hypertension is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases globally. It is often referred to as high blood pressure. In Borneo several folklore medicines are recognized as useful for treating such diseases and this chapter reviews these. Andrographis paniculata is native to South India and Sri Lanka but has since been introduced elsewhere, particularly in the tropics including Borneo. Leaves of Andrographis paniculata are placed in hot water to make a tincture to treat hypertension. Averrhoa belimbi probably originated from eastern Indonesia but has since been introduced to the tropical regions of the world, including in Borneo, and usually cultivated for its fruit. The fruits and leaves of Averrhoa belimbi have traditionally been used in Borneo for the treatment of hypertension. Annona muricata is believed to have originated from tropical South America and has been introduced for its fruit throughout the tropics. The fruit and leaves of Annona muricata have been used for anti-hypertensive effect.
