A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ONPHYTOCHEMICALS HAVINGVASCULARPROTECTIVE EFFECTS

Abstract

Vascular endothelial dysfunction, characterized by imbalances in vasodilation and constriction, deficiency of nitric oxide bioavailability, and elevated reactive oxygen species, is a key factor in cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. Regular consumption of medicinal plants, fruits, and vegetables can promote vascular health and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Phytochemical compounds found in these resources, such as curcumin have potential therapeutic agents for vascular dysfunction due to their antioxidative mechanisms. However, further human studies are needed to confirm these effects. Also, medicinal properties against CVDs of 4 widely used plants namely ginseng, ginkgo biloba, Ganoderma lucidum, gynostemma pentaphyllum are discussed in this review to provide recent information on their vascular protective mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. However, future human studies will be necessary to confirm the clinical effects of these vascular protective mechanisms. Finally, we reviewed and reported the results of the recent clinical trials and have been conducted using these medicinal herbs with special emphasis on their efficacy, safety, and toxicity. Marketed formulations and case studies regarding to vascular protective effect are also mentioned. Our study aimed to analyse and compare monthly costs along with cost variation between Ayurveda and Allopathy medicines used to treat 2 chronic disease conditions, viz. Atherosclerosis and Hypertension. The prices of Allopathic & Ayurvedic drugs mentioned in the treatment guidelines for these 2 conditions were obtained from different sources. In the case of Allopathic drugs, the %CVD ranged from 182%for DMARDs to 1184.39% for Corticosteroids. In the case of Anti-hypertensive medicines, too, the mean %CVD ranged from 84.21% for Rasaushadhi to 353.33% for Arishta, while %CVD ranged from 150.70% for ACE inhibitors to 269.85% for Calcium channel blockers for Ayurvedic and Allopathic medicines, respectively.