Title:Cardiovascular Toxicity of Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors and Promising Natur a l Substitutes
Volume: 23
Issue: 6
Author(s): Mahmoud Bahmani, Amir Sarrafchi, Hedayatollah Shirzad, Sedigheh Asgari and Mahmoud Rafieian-Kopaei
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Cardiovascular, COX, NSAID, medicinal plants, oxidative stress, toxicity.
Abstract: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a group of drugs which are used for a wide variety
of diseases including pain and inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, musculoskeletal
disorders, and other comorbid complications. However, this group of drugs have undesirable effects
such as peptic ulcer, bleeding and renal failure. Some of these side effects are associated with or caused by generation
of oxidative stress. Following the withdrawal of a cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor drug, rofecoxib
(VIOXX®) due to cardiovascular complications, scientists suggested that natural COX-2 inhibitors might provide
valuable alternatives to COX inhibitors. Although, most of medicinal plants reduce pain and inflammation in a
similar manner to synthetic medications, however, they often have fewer side effects and are better tolerated. The
present review other than focusing on cardiovascular and some other complications of NSAIDs, is trying to introduce
the natural alternative remedies for these medications