Unravelling the Therapeutic Potential of Cysteine for Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major global health concern, representing a leading cause of death and imposing a significant financial burden on public healthcare systems worldwide. They raise national healthcare expenditure into trillions of dollars globally. The development and progression of CVDs are heavily driven by oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid dysregulation, and endothelial dysfunction. Recent studies have highlighted the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cysteine-containing compounds, suggesting their role in mitigating cardiac diseases. This review explores the cardioprotective mechanisms of cysteine compounds such as N-acetyl cysteine, S-allyl cysteine, S-ethyl cysteine, and S-1-propenyl cysteine, emphasizing their roles in redox homeostasis, endothelial function preservation, mitochondrial protection, and inflammation attenuation. Specifically, we discuss how these compounds exert beneficial effects by serving as precursors to glutathione, acting as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) donors, and targeting the Nrf2 pathway through the modulation of Keap1. Ultimately, this review highlights the potential of cysteine-based compounds as candidate adjunctive strategies for cardiovascular disease management. By effectively reducing oxidative stress and limiting inflammatory cascades, incorporating these compounds into dietary interventions could play a transformative role in minimizing myocardial damage and improving patient outcomes.