Medicinal Plants as a Potential and Successful Treatment Option in the Context of Atherosclerosis

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Phytotherapy

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a major cause of mortality in developed nations, driven by lipid profile changes and vascular inflammation.
• Cardiovascular diseases stemming from atherosclerosis necessitate effective prevention and therapeutic strategies.
• Medicinal plants offer a potential avenue for managing atherosclerosis due to their diverse biological activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize current research on the anti-atherosclerotic properties of medicinal plants.
• To investigate the experimental and clinical evidence supporting the use of medicinal plants against atherosclerosis.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of plant-derived compounds in managing atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed and Scopus databases up to November 2019.
• Analysis of experimental studies investigating anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms of medicinal plants.
• Review of clinical trials assessing the impact of medicinal plants on atherosclerosis progression, such as carotid intima-media thickness (IMT).

Main Results:

• Medicinal plants exhibit pleiotropic anti-atherosclerotic effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and anti-thrombotic actions.
• Plant-derived compounds demonstrate relative safety and fewer side effects compared to conventional therapies.
• Clinical studies have confirmed the direct anti-atherosclerotic effects of certain medicinal plants on carotid IMT progression.

Conclusions:

• Medicinal plants represent a promising source of novel anti-atherosclerotic agents.
• The multi-target action and favorable safety profile of plant compounds support their consideration in atherosclerosis management.
• Further research and clinical validation are warranted to fully harness the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants for cardiovascular health.