There is a long history of using traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) for the
treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). However, their
functioning mechanisms are still unknown. In this chapter, we summarize some
common Chinese herbs that have been applied to treat DM and/or HTN since ancient
times. Their active ingredients and the underlying mechanisms have been expounded.
This may provide us a better understanding of the functions of these TCM for the
treatment of DM and HTN, as well as a clue to unveil their possible efficacies for these
chronic diseases. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to more accurately represent
TCM in this field.
Keywords: Chinese medicine, diabetes, hypertension.
