Title:A Systematic Review of Herbal Interventions for the Management of
Cardiovascular Diseases
Volume: 20
Issue: 5
Author(s): Ankita Wal, Neha Verma, Senthil Kumar Balakrishnan, Vinod Gahlot, Sumeet Dwivedi, Pankaj Kumar Sahu, Mohammad Tabish and Pranay Wal*
Affiliation:
- PSIT-Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology (Pharmacy) NH19 Kanpur Agra Highway, Bhauti Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh,
India
Keywords:
Heart attack, cardiovascular disease, anti-oxidant, cholesterol, herbs, lipids.
Abstract:
Background: Cardiovascular diseases represent a significant global health burden,
necessitating diverse approaches for effective management. Herbal interventions have gained
attention as potential adjuncts or alternatives to conventional therapies due to their perceived
safety and therapeutic potential. This structured abstract provides a comprehensive review of
herbal interventions for the management of CVDs, summarising key findings, mechanisms of
action, and clinical implications.
Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of various herbal interventions
employed for managing cardiovascular diseases.
Method: We conducted an extensive literature search across electronic databases, including
PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, from inception to 2022. Studies were included if they
investigated the use of herbal remedies for preventing or treating CVDs. Data extraction and
synthesis focused on botanical sources, active compounds, mechanisms of action, and clinical
outcomes.
Result: Numerous herbal interventions have demonstrated promising cardiovascular benefits.
A number of medicinal herbs well identified to treat CVD are Moringaoleifera, Ginseng,
Ginkgo biloba, Celosia argentea, Gongronematrifolium, Gynostemmapentaphyllum, Bombaxceiba,
Gentianalutea, Allium sativum, Crataegus spp, Curcuma longa, Camellia sinensis, and
Zingiber officinale. Mechanistic insights reveal that herbal interventions often target multiple
pathways involved in CVD pathogenesis. These mechanisms encompass anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant, anti-thrombotic, anti-hypertensive, and lipid-lowering effects. Additionally, some
herbs enhance endothelial function, promote nitric oxide production, and exert vasodilatory
effects, contributing to improved cardiovascular health. Clinical studies have provided evidence
of the efficacy of certain herbal interventions in reducing CVD risk factors and improving
patient outcomes. However, more rigorous, large-scale clinical trials are needed to establish
their long-term safety and effectiveness. It is crucial to consider potential herb-drug interactions
and standardise dosages for reliable therapeutic outcomes.
Conclusion: This comprehensive review highlights the potential of herbal interventions as
valuable adjuncts or alternatives for managing cardiovascular diseases. Herbal remedies offer
diverse mechanisms of action, targeting key CVD risk factors and pathways. While promising,
their clinical utility warrants further investigation through well-designed trials to establish
their safety and efficacy, paving the way for integrated approaches to cardiovascular disease
management. Healthcare providers and patients should engage in informed discussions about
the use of herbal interventions alongside conventional therapies in the context of CVD prevention
and treatment.
