Title:Phytochemical Therapies in Vascular Functioning: A Molecular Approach
Volume: 15
Issue: 4
Author(s): Hasan Gencoglu, Cemal Orhan and Kazim Sahin*
Affiliation:
- Member of Turkish Academy of Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Firat University, 23119, Elazig,Turkey
Keywords:
Cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular pharmacology, molecular pharmacology, natural compound, phytochemical.
Abstract: There has been an increasing interest in the usage of natural products for the prevention and
treatment of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Regular consumption of fruits,
vegetables and whole grains has been shown to be negatively correlated with the risk of CVDs. These
foods provide a diversity of nutrients and different bioactive compounds including phytochemicals,
vitamins, minerals and fibers which play critical roles in the sustainability of optimal cardiovascular
health. Plant-based foods or a nutritional cure are gradually being integrated into medical practice for
CVD management partly due to the supporting experimental studies, clinical trials and epidemiological
studies. These products have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hypotensive,
anti-atherosclerotic, anti-thrombotic and hypocholesterolemic effects, depending on the dosage in
cell and tissue cultures, animal models as well as in humans. The present review considers some novel
ideas on some major phytochemicals which have been suggested to have protective and therapeutic
potential in CVD. The data presented in this work have been compiled from studies that have mostly
been carried out in recent years.
