Protective effects of carvacrol on lipid profiles, oxidative stress, hypertension, and cardiac dysfunction - A...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Natural Products
• Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading global cause of mortality, responsible for over 20 million deaths annually.
• Herbal compounds possess pharmacological activities, offering potential therapeutic avenues for various conditions.
• Carvacrol, a phenolic monoterpenoid from aromatic herbs, exhibits diverse biological properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the therapeutic effects of carvacrol on key cardiovascular disease risk factors.
• To summarize carvacrol's impact on lipid profiles, oxidative stress, hypertension, and cardiac dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases like Web of Science, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar.
• Keywords included "Carvacrol", "Hypertension", "Cardiac dysfunction", "Lipid profile", and "Oxidative stress" up to November 2023.
• Data from existing review articles were synthesized to evaluate carvacrol's pharmacological effects.

Main Results:

• Carvacrol was found to inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity, favorably alter lipid profiles, and reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
• It demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing IL-1β and increasing IL-10 secretion.
• Carvacrol improved oxidative stress markers and reduced apoptotic cell counts.

Conclusions:

• Carvacrol's antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties suggest significant therapeutic potential for cardiovascular diseases.
• Its demonstrated effects on lipid profiles, hypertension, and cardiac dysfunction highlight its promise as a natural remedy for CVD management.