RESUMO
Background: Acupuncture and herbal medicine have been of great benefit to Asian people for centuries. However, the discipline has not been subjected systematically and thoroughly to the rigors of scientific testing. Objective: This article reviews experimental evidence in regard to the vascular mechanisms of acupuncture and herbal medicine in hypertension. We focus on our hypothesis that acupuncture and herbal medicine reduce hypertension through activation of microvascular endothelial nitric oxide synthesis (eNOS). We also examine whether or not our results in experimental renovascular hypertension conform to the meridian theory. Results and conclusion: Acupuncture and herbal medicine 1) reduce experimental renovascular hypertension; 2) increase production of nitric oxide (NO), and contribute to vasodilation in the microvasculature and reduction of peripheral vascular resistance. We concluded that acupuncture and herbal medicine target eNOS and activate its signaling mechanisms, and that the benefits of acupuncture proceed along the meridian of the stimulated acupoint.