Abstract: There are disclosed anti-hypertensive compositions and a method of lowering blood pressure in mammals. The active component in the anti-hypertensive compositions is a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected from straight chain and branched chain C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl groups and benzyl, with the proviso that no branch occur on the alpha carbon atom of the alkyl group; or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 together with the nitrogen atom they are bonded to form a heterocyclic ring; M.sup.+x is a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, wherein x is the valence of the cation.

Abstract: There are disclosed N-substituted piperazine NONOate compounds having the structure: ##STR1## wherein M is a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, x is the valence of the cation, and R is selected from the group consisting of: an unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 straight chain alkyl, an unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.3 -C.sub.20 branched chain alkyl,an unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 straight chain alkenyl, an unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.3 -C.sub.20 branched chain alkenyl, a group of formula, ##STR2## a group of formula, ##STR3## a group of formula R.sup.4 --SO.sub.2 --, or a group of formula R.sup.5 --O--N.dbd.N(O)--. The compounds are potent nitric oxide releasing compounds.