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Yoon J, Park B, Hong KW, Jung DH. The effects of Korean Red Ginseng on stress-related neurotransmitters and gene expression: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Ginseng Res 2023; 47:766-772. [PMID: 38107397 PMCID: PMC10721478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is an effective anti-stress treatment. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential effects of KRG on relieving stress in a general population using transcriptome analysis. Methods We conducted an 8-week clinical pilot study on 90 healthy men who reported stress. The study was completed by 43 participants in the KRG group and 44 participants in the placebo group. Participants were randomized 1:1 to the KRG and placebo groups. We evaluated the stress by stress response inventory (SRI) at baseline and 8 weeks. The main outcomes were changes in the levels of neurotransmitters (NTs) and NT-related gene expression. NTs were analyzed using automated (GC) content, and levels of gene expression were measured by reads per kilobase of transcript per million mapped reads (RPKM). Results The KRG group showed significantly preserved epinephrine decrease compared with placebo group at 8 weeks (changes in epinephrine, KRG vs. placebo; -1623.2 ± 46101.5 vs. -35116.3 ± 86288.2, p = 0012). Among subjects who higher SRI score, meaning stress increased compared to baseline, the KRG group showed a smaller decrease in serotonin than the placebo group (changes in serotonin, KRG vs. placebo; -2627.5 ± 5859.1 vs, -8087.4 ± 7162.4, p = 0.005) and a smaller increase in cortisol than the placebo group (changes in cortisol, KRG vs. placebo; 1912.7 ± 10097.75 vs. 8046.2 ± 8050.6 , p = 0.019) in subgroup analysis. Transcriptome findings indicated that KRG intake affects gene expression related with metabolism of choline, adrenalin, and monoamine. Conclusion These findings suggest that KRG has beneficial effects on the amelioration of stress response in NTs, and this effect is more prominent in stressful situations. Further clinical studies are required to confirm the anti-stress effect of KRG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihyun Yoon
- Department of Family Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoungjin Park
- Department of Family Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Won Hong
- R&D Division, Theragen Health Co., Ltd., Gyeonggi do, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hyuk Jung
- Department of Family Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Kumar G, Dey SK, Kundu S. Herbs and their bioactive ingredients in cardio-protection: Underlying molecular mechanisms and evidences from clinical studies. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 92:153753. [PMID: 34610528 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medicinal plants or herbs produce a bounty of bioactive phytochemicals. These phytochemicals can influence a variety of physiological events related to cardiovascular health through multiple underlying mechanisms, such as their role as antioxidative, anti-ischemic, anti-proliferative, hypotensive, anti-thrombotic, and anti-hypercholesterolemic agents. PURPOSE The purpose of this review is to summarize and connect evidences supporting the use of phytotherapy in the management of some of the most common cardiovascular impairments, molecular mechanisms underlying cardio-protection mediated by herbs, and clinical studies which are positively linked with the use of herbs in cardiovascular biology. Additionally, we also describe several adverse effects associated with some of the herbal plants and their products to provide a balanced set of studies in favor or against phytotherapy in cardiovascular health that may help global discourses on this matter. METHODS Studies relating to the use of medicinal plants were mined by strategically searching scientific databases including Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct. Investigations involving approximately 175 articles including reviews, research articles, meta-analyses, and cross-sectional and observational studies were retrieved and analyzed in line with the stated purpose of this study. RESULTS A positive correlation between the use of medicinal plants and cardiovascular health was observed. While maintaining cardiovascular physiology, medicinal plants and their derivatives seem to govern a variety of cellular mechanisms involved in vasoconstriction and vasorelaxation, which in turn, are important aspects of cardiovascular homeostasis. Furthermore, a variety of studies including clinical trials, cross-sectional studies, and meta-analyses have also supported the anti-hypertensive and thus, cardio-protective effects, of medicinal plants. Apart from this, evidence is also available for the potential drawbacks of several herbs and their products indicating that the unsupervised use of many herbs may lead to severe health issues. CONCLUSIONS The cardio-protective outcomes of medicinal plants and their derivatives are supported by ever-increasing studies, while evidences exist for the potential drawbacks of some of the herbs. A balanced view about the use of medicinal plants and their derivative in cardiovascular biology thus needs to be outlined by researchers and the medical community. The novelty and exhaustiveness of the present manuscript is reflected by the detailed outline of the molecular basis of "herbal cardio-protection", active involvement of several herbs in ameliorating the cardiovascular status, adverse effects of medicinal plants, and the clinical studies considering the use of phytotherapy, all on a single platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Kumar
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research (ACBR), University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India; Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar Dey
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research (ACBR), University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India; Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Suman Kundu
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research (ACBR), University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India; Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India.
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Shaito A, Thuan DTB, Phu HT, Nguyen THD, Hasan H, Halabi S, Abdelhady S, Nasrallah GK, Eid AH, Pintus G. Herbal Medicine for Cardiovascular Diseases: Efficacy, Mechanisms, and Safety. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:422. [PMID: 32317975 PMCID: PMC7155419 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a significant health burden with an ever-increasing prevalence. They remain the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The use of medicinal herbs continues to be an alternative treatment approach for several diseases including CVDs. Currently, there is an unprecedented drive for the use of herbal preparations in modern medicinal systems. This drive is powered by several aspects, prime among which are their cost-effective therapeutic promise compared to standard modern therapies and the general belief that they are safe. Nonetheless, the claimed safety of herbal preparations yet remains to be properly tested. Consequently, public awareness should be raised regarding medicinal herbs safety, toxicity, potentially life-threatening adverse effects, and possible herb–drug interactions. Over the years, laboratory data have shown that medicinal herbs may have therapeutic value in CVDs as they can interfere with several CVD risk factors. Accordingly, there have been many attempts to move studies on medicinal herbs from the bench to the bedside, in order to effectively employ herbs in CVD treatments. In this review, we introduce CVDs and their risk factors. Then we overview the use of herbs for disease treatment in general and CVDs in particular. Further, data on the ethnopharmacological therapeutic potentials and medicinal properties against CVDs of four widely used plants, namely Ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, Ganoderma lucidum, and Gynostemma pentaphyllum, are gathered and reviewed. In particular, the employment of these four plants in the context of CVDs, such as myocardial infarction, hypertension, peripheral vascular diseases, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathies, and dyslipidemias has been reviewed, analyzed, and critically discussed. We also endeavor to document the recent studies aimed to dissect the cellular and molecular cardio-protective mechanisms of the four plants, using recently reported in vitro and in vivo studies. Finally, we reviewed and reported the results of the recent clinical trials that have been conducted using these four medicinal herbs with special emphasis on their efficacy, safety, and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Shaito
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Duong Thi Bich Thuan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue City, Vietnam
| | - Hoa Thi Phu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue City, Vietnam
| | - Thi Hieu Dung Nguyen
- Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue City, Vietnam
| | - Hiba Hasan
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sarah Halabi
- Biology Department, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Samar Abdelhady
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Gheyath K Nasrallah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Baek JH, Heo JY, Fava M, Mischoulon D, Choi KW, Na EJ, Cho H, Jeon HJ. Effect of Korean Red Ginseng in individuals exposed to high stress levels: a 6-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Ginseng Res 2018; 43:402-407. [PMID: 31308812 PMCID: PMC6606819 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To investigate the neurobiological evidence supporting the adaptogenic effects of Korean Red Ginseng in reducing the harmful consequences of stress using a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Method Sixty-three subjects with high stress levels were randomized to receive an orally administered, double-blind, 6-week treatment with Korean Red Ginseng (n = 32) or placebo (n = 31). All participants underwent a comprehensive psychological evaluation using Beck Depression Inventory and Stress Response Inventory, cognitive evaluation using the continuous performance test, biological evaluation by measuring blood levels of lipids, catecholamines, inflammation markers, and heart rate variability at baseline and after 6 weeks. Results At baseline, both groups showed no significant differences in age, sex, years of education, Beck Depression Inventory, and Stress Response Inventory. After 6 weeks, triglyceride levels were significantly increased within the normal limit in theKorean Red Ginseng group (F = 4.11, p = 0.048), and the epinephrine level was decreased in this group (F = 4,35, p = 0.043). The triglyceride increase was significantly associated with epinephrine decrease (B = −0.087, p = 0.041), suggesting that Korean Red Ginseng may stabilize the sympathetic nervous system. In addition, we detected a significant group by time effect in the visually controlled continuous performance test, suggesting positive effects of Korean Red Ginseng on cognition. Conclusion Korean Red Ginseng might help to stabilize the sympathetic nervous system and improve cognition in individuals with high stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyun Baek
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Yoon Heo
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Maurizio Fava
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - David Mischoulon
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Kwan Woo Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jin Na
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hana Cho
- Department of Physiology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Jin Jeon
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Health Sciences & Technology, Department of Medical Device Management & Research, Department of Clinical Research Design & Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Ajdžanović V, Jarić I, Miler M, Filipović B, Šošić-Jurjević B, Ristić N, Milenkovic D, Milošević V. Diosgenin-caused changes of the adrenal gland histological parameters in a rat model of the menopause. Acta Histochem 2017; 119:48-56. [PMID: 27889068 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin of natural origin, has demonstrated benefits when it comes to the treatment of malignancies, cardiovascular issues and menopausal symptoms. In this study, we investigated the histological changes of the adrenal gland after diosgenin application in a rat model of the menopause. Middle-aged, acyclic female Wistar rats were divided into control (C; n=6) and diosgenin treated (D; n=6) groups. Diosgenin (100mg/kg b.w./day) was orally administered for four weeks, while C group received the vehicle alone. A histological approach included design-based stereology, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. The adrenal cortex volume decreased in D females by 15% (p<0.05) while the volume of adrenal medulla increased (p<0.05) by 64%, compared to the same parameters in C group. Volume density of the zona glomerulosa (expressed per absolute adrenal gland volume) in D rats increased (p<0.05) by 22% in comparison with C animals. Diosgenin treatment decreased (p<0.05) the volume density of the zona fasciculata (expressed per volume of adrenal cortex) by 15% when compared to C females. Absolute volume of the zona reticularis in D group decreased (p<0.05) by 38% in comparison with the same parameter in C rats. Also, after diosgenin application, the volume density of the zona reticularis (expressed per volume of adrenal cortex) and the zona reticularis cell volume were decreased by 51% and 20% (p<0.05) respectively, compared to C animals. Our results, reflecting a decrease in many stereological parameters of the adrenal cortex, indicate that diosgenin took over the role of corticosteroid precursors and became incorporated into steroidogenesis.
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Liu C, Huang Y. Chinese Herbal Medicine on Cardiovascular Diseases and the Mechanisms of Action. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:469. [PMID: 27990122 PMCID: PMC5130975 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the principal cause of death worldwide. The potentially serious adverse effects of therapeutic drugs lead to growing awareness of the role of Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Chinese herbal medicine has been widely used in many countries especially in China from antiquity; however, the mechanisms by which herbal medicine acts in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases are far from clear. In this review, we briefly describe the characteristics of Chinese herbal medicine by comparing with western medicine. Then we summarize the formulae and herbs/natural products applied in the clinic and animal studies being sorted according to the specific cardiovascular diseases. Most importantly, we elaborate the existing investigations into mechanisms by which herbal compounds act at the cellular levels, including vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes and immune cells. Future research should focus on well-designed clinic trial, in-depth mechanic study, investigations on side effects of herbs and drug interactions. Studies on developing new agents with effectiveness and safety from traditional Chinese medicine is a promising way for prevention and treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiqing Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Basic Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Vascular Medicine and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, China
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Na SY, Kim KH, Choi MS, Ha KS, Lim DY. Gintonin facilitates catecholamine secretion from the perfused adrenal medulla. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2016; 20:629-639. [PMID: 27847440 PMCID: PMC5106397 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2016.20.6.629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the characteristics of gintonin, one of components isolated from Korean Ginseng on secretion of catecholamines (CA) from the isolated perfused model of rat adrenal gland and to clarify its mechanism of action. Gintonin (1 to 30 µg/ml), perfused into an adrenal vein, markedly increased the CA secretion from the perfused rat adrenal medulla in a dose-dependent fashion. The gintonin-evoked CA secretion was greatly inhibited in the presence of chlorisondamine (1 µM, an autonomic ganglionic bloker), pirenzepine (2 µM, a muscarinic M1 receptor antagonist), Ki14625 (10 µM, an LPA1/3 receptor antagonist), amiloride (1 mM, an inhibitor of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger), a nicardipine (1 µM, a voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel blocker), TMB-8 (1 µM, an intracellular Ca2+ antagonist), and perfusion of Ca2+-free Krebs solution with 5mM EGTA (a Ca2+chelater), while was not affected by sodium nitroprusside (100 µM, a nitrosovasodialtor). Interestingly, LPA (0.3~3 µM, an LPA receptor agonist) also dose-dependently enhanced the CA secretion from the adrenal medulla, but this facilitatory effect of LPA was greatly inhibited in the presence of Ki 14625 (10 µM). Moreover, acetylcholine (AC)-evoked CA secretion was greatly potentiated during the perfusion of gintonin (3 µg/ml). Taken together, these results demonstrate the first evidence that gintonin increases the CA secretion from the perfused rat adrenal medulla in a dose-dependent fashion. This facilitatory effect of gintonin seems to be associated with activation of LPA- and cholinergic-receptors, which are relevant to the cytoplasmic Ca2+ increase by stimulation of the Ca2+ influx as well as by the inhibition of Ca2+ uptake into the cytoplasmic Ca2+ stores, without the increased nitric oxide (NO). Based on these results, it is thought that gintonin, one of ginseng components, can elevate the CA secretion from adrenal medulla by regulating the Ca2+ mobilization for exocytosis, suggesting facilitation of cardiovascular system. Also, these findings show that gintonin might be at least one of ginseng-induced hypertensive components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Yeol Na
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Ki-Hwan Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Boramae Seoul National University, Seoul 07061, Korea
| | - Mi-Sung Choi
- Department of Leisure & Sport, College of Public Health & Welfare, Dongshin University, Naju 58245, Korea
| | - Kang-Su Ha
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Korea
| | - Dong-Yoon Lim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Korea
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Saleh Al-Shehabi T, Iratni R, Eid AH. Anti-atherosclerotic plants which modulate the phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 23:1068-1081. [PMID: 26776961 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2015.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of global death, with atherosclerosis being a major contributor to this mortality. Several mechanisms are implicated in the pathogenesis of this disease. A key element in the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions is the phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells. Under pathophysiologic conditions such as injury, these cells switch from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype that often possesses high proliferative and migratory capacities. PURPOSE Despite major advances made in the management and treatment of atherosclerosis, mortality associated with this disease remains high. This mandates that other approaches be sought. Herbal medicine, especially for the treatment of CVD, has been gaining more attention in recent years. This is in no small part due to the evidence-based values associated with the consumption of many plants as well as the relatively cheaper prices, easier access and conventional folk medicine "inherited" over generations. Sections: In this review, we provide a brief introduction about the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis then we highlight the role of vascular smooth muscle cells in this disease, especially when a phenotypic switch of these cells arises. We then thoroughly discuss the various plants that show potentially beneficial effects as anti-atherosclerotic, with prime attention given to herbs and plants that inhibit the phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells. CONCLUSION Accumulating evidence provides the justification for the use of botanicals in the treatment or prevention of atherosclerosis. However, further studies, especially clinical ones, are warranted to better define several pharmacological parameters of these herbs, such as toxicity, tolerability, and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuqa Saleh Al-Shehabi
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Rabah Iratni
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, PO Box 11-0236, Beirut, Lebanon ; Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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Al Disi SS, Anwar MA, Eid AH. Anti-hypertensive Herbs and their Mechanisms of Action: Part I. Front Pharmacol 2016; 6:323. [PMID: 26834637 PMCID: PMC4717468 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of herbal therapies for treatment and management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is increasing. Plants contain a bounty of phytochemicals that have proven to be protective by reducing the risk of various ailments and diseases. Indeed, accumulating literature provides the scientific evidence and hence reason d'etre for the application of herbal therapy in relation to CVDs. Slowly, but absolutely, herbal remedies are being entrenched into evidence-based medical practice. This is partly due to the supporting clinical trials and epidemiological studies. The rationale for this expanding interest and use of plant based treatments being that a significant proportion of hypertensive patients do not respond to Modern therapeutic medication. Other elements to this equation are the cost of medication, side-effects, accessibility, and availability of drugs. Therefore, we believe it is pertinent to review the literature on the beneficial effects of herbs and their isolated compounds as medication for treatment of hypertension, a prevalent risk factor for CVDs. Our search utilized the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases, and the criterion for inclusion was based on the following keywords and phrases: hypertension, high blood pressure, herbal medicine, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), nitric oxide, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, hydrogen sulfide, nuclear factor kappa-B, oxidative stress, and epigenetics/epigenomics. Each of the aforementioned keywords was co-joined with herb in question, and where possible with its constituent molecule(s). In this first of a two-part review, we provide a brief introduction of hypertension, followed by a discussion of the molecular and cellular mechanisms. We then present and discuss the plants that are most commonly used in the treatment and management of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S. Al Disi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar UniversityDoha, Qatar
| | - M. Akhtar Anwar
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar UniversityDoha, Qatar
| | - Ali H. Eid
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar UniversityDoha, Qatar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of BeirutBeirut, Lebanon
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