Is bird nest good for high blood pressure? Exploring the scientific evidence

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

Historically revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its restorative properties, edible bird's nest has become the focus of modern scientific inquiry into its functional benefits; research is now actively investigating if bird nest is good for high blood pressure.

Quick Summary

Edible bird's nest contains bioactive compounds like sialic acid and proteins that may help manage hypertension by inhibiting the ACE enzyme, according to recent studies. Further human trials are necessary to confirm these findings and establish dosage recommendations.

Key Points

Potential for Blood Pressure Support: Studies show edible bird's nest hydrolysates (EBNH) may inhibit the ACE enzyme, a mechanism that can help lower blood pressure.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Action: EBN contains compounds like sialic acid that combat oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key factors in cardiovascular disease.
Limited Human Clinical Evidence: While preliminary and animal studies are promising, more extensive human clinical trials are needed to confirm the effects of EBN on hypertension.
Complements, Not Replaces, Medication: EBN should be considered a complementary supplement and not a substitute for conventional, medically prescribed hypertension treatments.
Consult a Healthcare Professional: Anyone with high blood pressure should consult a doctor before adding bird's nest to their diet to ensure it is safe and appropriate.
Supports Overall Cardiovascular Health: Beyond blood pressure, EBN's nutritional profile and bioactive compounds are linked to improving blood circulation, managing cholesterol, and protecting the heart.

The Traditional Use of Edible Bird's Nest

For centuries, edible bird's nest (EBN), or "yan wo," has been a prized delicacy in Asian cultures, particularly for its perceived health benefits and status as a luxury food. Sourced from the hardened saliva of swiftlets, it has been traditionally consumed as a tonic to promote overall well-being, improve respiratory health, and enhance complexion. While traditional beliefs tout its ability to improve blood circulation and vitality, modern research seeks to understand the specific biological mechanisms and validate these long-held claims, particularly concerning cardiovascular health.

Bioactive Compounds and Potential Mechanisms

Recent scientific studies have identified several bioactive compounds within EBN that may contribute to its health effects, including a potential role in managing high blood pressure. Key among these are glycoproteins and sialic acid, which have been linked to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive properties.

ACE-Inhibitory Activity

One of the most promising areas of research focuses on EBN's ability to inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). ACE is an enzyme in the body that produces angiotensin II, a potent compound that narrows blood vessels and increases blood pressure. Many prescription medications for hypertension, known as ACE inhibitors, work by blocking this enzyme. Studies have shown that edible bird's nest hydrolysates (EBNH), which are protein fragments from EBN, can effectively inhibit ACE activity in vitro. This mechanism suggests that EBN may offer a natural way to support blood pressure regulation, but this effect has mainly been observed in laboratory and animal studies and requires further human investigation.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Hypertension is often associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, which can damage blood vessels over time. EBN is rich in antioxidants and glycoproteins, which have been shown to combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. By neutralizing harmful free radicals and suppressing inflammatory markers, EBN could indirectly support cardiovascular health and reduce risk factors for heart disease.

The State of Human Clinical Research

Despite the promising findings in preclinical studies, human clinical evidence specifically on the effect of bird's nest on blood pressure is still limited. Some recent studies have used EBN-fortified functional drinks in human trials, but these often focus on a combination of health outcomes, including glycemic control and satiety, rather than isolating the effect on hypertension. The need for well-designed, long-term clinical trials is critical to validate efficacy, determine appropriate dosages, and assess potential interactions with conventional therapies.

Comparison of EBN to Conventional Hypertension Management


Feature	Edible Bird's Nest (EBN)	Conventional Medication (e.g., ACE Inhibitors)	Lifestyle Modifications
Primary Function	Natural supplement with potential ACE-inhibitory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.	Prescription drug specifically formulated to block ACE and lower blood pressure.	Daily actions like diet changes, regular exercise, and stress reduction.
Scientific Evidence	Mostly preliminary, based on in vitro and animal studies; limited human clinical trials for hypertension.	Extensive and conclusive evidence from numerous human clinical trials.	Well-established and supported by comprehensive clinical data and health guidelines.
Effectiveness	Potential supporting effect; should not replace conventional treatment.	Highly effective in controlling blood pressure for most patients.	Proven to be effective, often as a first-line treatment or in conjunction with medication.
Regulatory Status	Sold as a dietary supplement or functional food; not approved as a drug for hypertension.	Regulated by health authorities (e.g., FDA) as a prescription medication.	Not regulated, but based on widely accepted public health recommendations.
Application	As a complementary dietary addition for general wellness, with further research needed.	Mandatory therapy for individuals with diagnosed hypertension.	Foundation of all hypertension management, with or without medication.

Potential Benefits and Considerations

While bird's nest should not be used as a replacement for medically prescribed hypertension treatments, it may offer complementary benefits as part of an overall health strategy. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are well-documented and support general cardiovascular well-being.

Here are some of the potential ways EBN might support cardiovascular health, based on various studies:

Improved Blood Circulation: Traditional and anecdotal reports suggest EBN can improve blood flow and circulation, which is vital for cardiovascular function.
Reduced Cholesterol Levels: Some animal studies indicate that EBN can help balance lipid profiles by lowering 'bad' LDL cholesterol and increasing 'good' HDL cholesterol.
Support for Overall Heart Function: The amino acids found in EBN, such as arginine and tyrosine, are thought to help strengthen heart muscle function.
Reduced Risk of Blood Clots: By improving blood flow and reducing inflammation, some components of EBN may decrease the risk of blood clot formation.

It is important to remember that these are potential benefits and not guaranteed outcomes. Quality and purity can vary, and potential allergic reactions are a consideration for some individuals. Always consult a healthcare professional before incorporating new supplements, especially if you have a chronic condition like high blood pressure.

Conclusion: A Promising Supplement, Not a Cure

In summary, the question of "Is bird nest good for high blood pressure?" reveals a complex picture. Scientific evidence from preclinical studies points toward a potential antihypertensive effect, primarily through ACE inhibition and its antioxidant properties. However, this promising research has yet to be fully confirmed by comprehensive human clinical trials. While EBN may be a valuable functional food for supporting general cardiovascular health and potentially complementing conventional treatment, it is not a cure and should not replace prescribed medication. Individuals with hypertension should rely on a medically supervised treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and, if necessary, medication. Consulting with a doctor is the most prudent step to ensure any use of EBN is safe and appropriate for your specific health needs.

The Potential of Edible Bird’s Nests in Reducing Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors - PMC

Frequently Asked Questions

No. You should never stop or replace your prescribed blood pressure medication with bird's nest or any other supplement. EBN has only shown potential effects in preliminary research and is not a scientifically proven treatment for hypertension.

Research suggests that bird's nest contains hydrolysates that can inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is involved in narrowing blood vessels. By inhibiting ACE, it may help relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

Sialic acid, a major component of EBN, has been specifically cited for its potential antihypertensive and antioxidant effects. Glycoproteins and certain amino acids also contribute to its cardiovascular benefits.

While generally safe, some people may be allergic to bird's nest. Quality and purity can vary among products, and there is a risk of food poisoning from uncertified sources. Always start with a small amount to check for allergic reactions.

Yes, it is highly recommended to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have an underlying health condition like hypertension. They can advise you on the safety and potential interactions with any medications you are taking.

Based on current research, there is no single type of bird's nest proven to be superior for managing high blood pressure. Most studies focus on edible bird's nest hydrolysates (EBNH) extracted from the nests, rather than the raw product.

Lifestyle modifications like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction are fundamental and proven methods for managing blood pressure. Bird's nest, as a potential supplement, should only be considered as a complementary addition and cannot replace these crucial habits.