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A review on herbal Nrf2 activators with preclinical evidence in cardiovascular diseases

Abu Mohammad Syed1, Chetan Ram1, Upadhyayula Suryanarayana Murty1

  • 1Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India.

Phytotherapy Research : PTR
|April 24, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway shows promise in protecting the heart from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Activating Nrf2, especially with herbal compounds, may offer new therapeutic strategies for CVDs.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular research
  • Molecular biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading global cause of death, often linked to oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
  • Oxidative cellular damage contributes to pathological conditions like endothelial dysfunction, cardiac hypertrophy, and heart failure.
  • The Nrf2-Keap1 pathway is a critical regulator of cellular defense against oxidative stress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms of Nrf2 in cardiovascular health.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of Nrf2 activators, particularly herbal compounds, for CVDs.
  • To highlight Nrf2 activation as a potential therapeutic strategy for CVD prevention and treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of experimental models of cardiac diseases.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying Nrf2's role in cardiovascular protection.
  • Examination of findings on herbal Nrf2 activators in preclinical studies.

Main Results:

  • Evidence supports the cardioprotective effects of Nrf2 in various experimental CVD models.
  • Nrf2 activation mitigates oxidative stress and related cellular damage in the heart.
  • Herbal compounds show potential in activating the Nrf2 pathway for therapeutic benefit.

Conclusions:

  • The Nrf2 pathway is a significant target for combating oxidative stress in CVDs.
  • Herbal-derived Nrf2 activators represent a promising therapeutic avenue for cardiovascular conditions.
  • Further clinical validation of Nrf2 activation is needed for CVD treatment.
Keywords:
Nrf2cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)oxidative stresspreclinical evidencesreactive oxygen species

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