article · Phytomedicine Plus
Cardiovascular diseases represent a critical global health problem requiring novel preventive and therapeutic approaches. Plant-derived bioactive compounds, known as phytochemicals, offer significant potential for reducing cardiovascular risks. Synthesising findings from preclinical work, epidemiological research, and clinical trials published over the past decade, this analysis assesses classes including polyphenols, carotenoids, glucosinolates, saponins, and tannins. Specific prominent compounds include flavonoids such as quercetin and catechins, carotenoids like lycopene and beta-carotene, and sulforaphane. These substances exert cardiovascular benefits through several physiological mechanisms: managing blood pressure, regulating lipid levels, combating oxidative stress, controlling inflammation, preventing platelet clot formation, and improving endothelial cell function. However, the practical translation of these compounds faces key constraints, specifically concerning their bioavailability, the establishment of proper dosages, and potential interactions when combined with other treatments.
Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of illness worldwide. Understanding how natural plant compounds can be used safely and effectively creates opportunities for developing accessible, diet-based interventions and complementary therapies. Identifying the biological mechanisms and current pharmacological limitations helps guide the development of reliable plant-derived options to support heart health.
The findings inform early-stage and translational opportunities for developers of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and complementary cardiovascular therapeutics. Potential users include clinical researchers and pharmaceutical or dietary supplement manufacturers seeking to formulate targeted interventions. However, commercial application remains bounded by technical hurdles noted in the review, specifically the need to resolve poor bioavailability, determine standard effective dosages, and evaluate combination treatments.
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New approaches to prevention and treatment are necessary for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), a major worldwide health issue. Phytochemicals and bioactive compounds of plant origin have attracted much interest due to their potential role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This review article aims to discuss phytochemicals in CVD management, including their mechanisms of action, benefits, and applications in detail. The review analyzes findings from clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and preclinical research to explain how these phytochemicals are effective in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases. We also consider limitations, including phytochemical bioavailability, the appropriate dosage, and possible combinations with other treatments. The data for the review were obtained from articles in peer-reviewed journals, clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and other studies published within the last decade. A thorough search was conducted in four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using keywords such as phytochemicals and CVDs. In this study, polyphenols, carotenoids, glucosinolates, saponins, and tannins, were the various classes of phytochemicals. Multiple mechanisms, such as combating oxidative stress, controlling inflammation, enhancing the function of endothelial cells, regulating lipid levels, preventing platelet clot formation, and managing blood pressure, have demonstrated the cardiovascular benefits of these phytochemicals. The study highlights most prominent phytochemicals such as flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, catechins), carotenoids (e.g., lycopene, beta-carotene), and glucosinolates (e.g., sulforaphane), all of which have significant roles in enhancing cardiovascular health. The current evidence suggests that phytochemicals could significantly contribute to the prevention and treatment of CVDs through dietary and therapeutic interventions.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100695
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