The escalating antimicrobial resistance crisis demands novel therapeutic agents, with Lucilia sericata (Ls) larval secretion/excretion (S/E) offering potent antibacterial and pro-healing properties for chronic wounds. While high-molecular-weight antimicrobial peptides are well-studied, low-molecular-weight (LMW, <3 kDa) fractions induced by pathogens remain underexplored. This study isolated LMW fractions from S. aureus-induced Ls S/E via ultrafiltration and size-exclusion chromatography, yielding eight fractions (WF1-8). Fractions showed dose- and species-specific bacteriostatic effects, with WF3 strongly inhibiting S. aureus viability (~17% reduction, GLM Wald χ²=46.8, P<0.001) while WF1 and WF4 demonstrated depigmenting P. aeruginosa via potential quorum-sensing disruption. Fractions WF1, WF3, and WF4 potently stimulated HDMEC proliferation (>200% vs. control, dose-dependent r=0.70, P<0.0001, MTS assay) with negligible cytotoxicity, while HUVECs responded modestly to WF1 and WF7, underscoring dermal relevance. LC-MS/MS and MASCOT analysis identified 34 unique peptides (7-30 residues) with high antimicrobial probability, enriched in active fractions. These findings reveal pathogen-inducible LMW synergists for targeted antimicrobials and angiogenesis, advancing maggot-derived therapies; mechanistic validation in vivo is subsequent.
Orodispersible tablets are intended to melt or dissolve in the mouth when taken orally. Montelukast sodium and Loratadine belong to BCS class II i.e. they have low solubility but high permeability characteristics. By merging natural or synthetic polymers, novel co-processed excipients like Ludiflash and Pharmaburst® are formed to enhance both stability and performance of dosage form. The aim of this study was to design and optimize orodispersible tablets (ODTs) of Montelukast sodium/Loratadine while evaluating their pre- and post-compression characteristics along with compatibility. Using direct compression technique, seven different formulations were manufactured by incorporating various excipients in different concentrations, including Ludiflash® and Pharmaburst®. All formulations underwent pre-formulation tests including bulk density, tapped density, angle of repose, etc. followed by post-compression tests like weight variation, thickness; diameter, hardness, wetting time, water dispersion, dissolution and disintegration. Formulation F6 was selected as optimized formulation as all parameters comply with USP standards. The optimized formulation (F6) showed high similarity in dissolution profiles (f1 = 0.27 < 15; f2 ≈ 100), indicating comparable in vitro dissolution performance. A simple, reliable, precise and accurate method of assay was developed by HPLC (Shimadzu, CTO-20AC). All the results found within the specified limits of the BP/USP. By the use of direct compression method, the development of ODTs of montelukast sodium/Loratadine having co-processed excipients, proved to be an effective approach with minimal excipients use. Moreover, the validated HPLC method established a simple, precise and reproducible technique for regular quality control assessments.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ranks among the most prevalent liver diseases globally. Icariin (ICA) has been shown to improve NAFLD, but the specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The study was to probe the underlying mechanisms of ICA in NAFLD. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) was employed to detect gene levels. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was utilized to measure the concentrations of inflammatory factors. The target-binding relationship was validated through a dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Our findings revealed that ICA dose-dependently decreased the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in the NAFLD model. Additionally, it dose-dependently reduced the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-12 (IL-12), and elevated miR-185-3p expression. In free fatty acids (FFA)-treated HepG2 cells, the miR-185-3p inhibitor attenuated the suppressive effect of ICA on inflammatory factors and its promoting effect on miR-185-3p levels. Fractalkine (CX3CL1) levels were diminished in an ICA dose-dependent manner. In FFA-treated HepG2 cells, silencing miR-185-3p elevated the secretion of inflammatory factors, whereas si-CX3CL1 reversed this effect. ICA alleviated liver damage, lipid metabolism disorders, and inflammatory responses via the miR-185-3p/CX3CL1 axis, thereby slowing the progression of NAFLD.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for the majority of cases. K-RAS mutations are common in NSCLC and are associated with poor prognosis, while effective therapeutic options remain limited. β-Elemene, a natural compound extracted from Curcuma aromatica, has shown antitumor activity, but its effects in K-RAS mutant NSCLC remain incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of β-elemene on K-RAS mutant NSCLC cells and explored its association with ferroptosis- and autophagy-related changes. In A549 and H1650^G12C cells, β-elemene inhibited cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner, as confirmed by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. β-Elemene treatment was accompanied by changes in ferroptosis-related markers, including altered GPX4 and SLC7A11 expression, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and decreased glutathione (GSH) content, and these effects were partially reversed by Ferrostatin-1. Transmission electron microscopy revealed mitochondrial alterations consistent with oxidative damage. In addition, β-elemene treatment was associated with changes in autophagy-related proteins, including LC3, p62, and Beclin-1. Interference with the autophagy-related pathway by Wortmannin attenuated some of the β-elemene-associated ferroptosis-related changes. Taken together, our findings suggest that β-elemene suppresses K-RAS mutant NSCLC cell progression and is associated with ferroptosis-related and autophagy-related alterations. Further studies are needed to clarify the causal relationship between these processes.
Cathepsin C (CatC) is a lysosomal cysteine protease implicated in the pathophysiology of inflammatory diseases and cancer metastasis, representing a crucial therapeutic target. Despite the therapeutic potential of protease modulation, the inhibitory activity of pentacyclic triterpenoids against CatC has not been previously explored. This study provides the kinetic characterization of oleanolic (OA) and ursolic acids (UA) as competitive inhibitors of CatC. Kinetic analysis revealed that OA exhibits superior inhibitory potency (IC50 = 41.35 µM) compared to its structural isomer UA (IC50 = 112.10 µM), suggesting that the methyl group position within the triterpene scaffold significantly influences binding affinity. Furthermore, the methanolic extract of Solidago virgaurea demonstrated inhibitory activity with an IC₅₀ of 0.467 mg/mL. Effect-directed profiling using HPTLC quantified the OA content (3.952 µg/mg extract) and allowed for the calculation of its molar contribution to the extract's total activity. The theoretical IC50 of the extract, expressed as OA equivalent (4.04 µM), was significantly lower than the experimental IC50 of pure OA, indicating a potential synergistic effect or the presence of other potent inhibitors within the complex matrix. While HPTLC-ABTS+• profiling confirmed the presence of antioxidant constituents in the extract, pure OA and UA showed no direct radical scavenging activity under the conditions applied, pointing to a specific mechanism of action like modulating the activity of enzymes involved in the development of oxidative stress. These findings identify S. virgaurea as a promising source of CatC inhibitors and establish oleanane-type triterpenoids as lead scaffolds for the development of novel inhibitors.
This study investigated the effects of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) on the malignant behaviors of cervical cancer (CC) HeLa cells and the underlying mechanisms. SOCS1 expression was manipulated through transfection to establish overexpression (OE), suppression (SE), and control groups. The effects on cell proliferation (Pro), apoptosis (Apo), migration (Mig), and invasion (Inv) were assessed using MTT assays, flow cytometry, and Transwell chambers. Additionally, Western blotting and qPCR were performed to analyze the expression of JAK1, JAK2, and STAT3, key components of the signaling pathway. Results showed that SOCS1 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and reduced migration and invasion, while SOCS1 suppression had the opposite effects. Furthermore, Western blot and qPCR analyses revealed that SOCS1 overexpression downregulated the expression of JAK1, JAK2, and STAT3, whereas suppression increased their levels. These findings suggest that SOCS1 negatively regulates the JAK/STAT pathway, inhibiting malignant behaviors such as proliferation and migration while promoting apoptosis. SOCS1 may therefore play a crucial role in suppressing cervical cancer progression and could serve as a potential therapeutic target for future treatment strategies.
Background: Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) and associated vascular endothelial damage represent significant clinical complications, yet effective preventive strategies remain limited. This study aims to investigate the protective efficacy of trigonelline against these injuries and elucidate its intestinal transport mechanisms to support its potential as a therapeutic agent. Methods: In this study, a contrast-induced acute kidney injury model was established in mice by tail vein injection of iohexol to investigate the kidney protective effects of trigonelline. Using a Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cell monolayer model, the transport characteristics of trigonelline and the involvement of potential transporters were systematically evaluated. Results: The concentration gradients of trigonelline used in the experiments showed no cytotoxic effects on Caco-2 cells. Trigonelline exhibited moderate intestinal absorption. The efflux transporters P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) were involved in the intestinal transport of trigonelline. Crucially, in the in vivo mouse model, trigonelline treatment significantly ameliorated iohexol-induced renal injury, evidenced by a dose-dependent reduction in serum creatinine and BUN levels, and a decrease in inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α). Histopathological analysis confirmed that trigonelline effectively mitigated renal tubular necrosis and interstitial inflammation. Conclusion: The transport characteristics and potential vascular protective effects of trigonelline provide valuable insights for the design and development of therapeutic agents aimed at preventing contrast agent-induced vascular injury, and also contribute to a deeper understanding of the pharmacological activity of trigonelline.
Objective: To investigate the incidence, clinical characteristics, and prognostic significance of central nervous system (CNS) involvement in patients with diquat poisoning. Methods: Clinical data of patients with confirmed diquat poisoning admitted to Fuyang People’s Hospital were retrospectively collected, including demographic characteristics, estimated ingested dose, time to hospital presentation, laboratory parameters, CNS manifestations, and survival status. Patients were divided into CNS-damage and non-CNS-damage groups. Group comparisons were performed using appropriate statistical tests, and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of CNS damage. Results: A total of 76 patients were included, of whom 29 (38.2%) developed CNS damage. Compared with patients without CNS damage, those with CNS damage had a significantly higher ingested dose, higher serum toxic concentration, higher APACHE II score, and lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. Multivariable logistic regression showed that elevated serum toxic concentration (OR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.30–2.62; P = 0.001) and higher APACHE II score (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.13–1.64; P = 0.001) were independently associated with increased risk of CNS damage, whereas higher GCS score was associated with reduced risk (OR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.49–0.93; P = 0.016). Mortality was significantly higher in the CNS-damage group than in the non-CNS-damage group. Conclusion: CNS involvement is common in diquat poisoning and is associated with poor prognosis. Serum toxic concentration, APACHE II score, and GCS score may help identify high-risk patients early.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that causing joint damage, persistent pain, and dyskinesia. Previous studies have indicated that RA injury is closely associated with oxidative stress in joint tissues. Ginkgolide B (GB) is a natural terpenoid extracted from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree. It has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its effect on RA is unclear. This study was designed to investigate GB’s effects on RA in greater depth and uncover potential mechanisms for preventing damage. A rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was used to test the effects of treatment with 20 mg/kg GB (CIA+GB-L) or 40 mg/kg GB (CIA+GB-H). Structural and pathological changes in knee joints were identified and potential mechanisms related to oxidative stress and inflammation pathways were examined. Results showed that GB ameliorated the pathological features of knee arthritis in CIA rats, as cartilage damage was reduced in +GB groups, especially CIA+GB-H. The level of MDA, a common oxidative stress product, was significantly reduced by 63.9% and the antioxidant enzymes GSH, SOD remarkably increased by 86.6% and 124.5% in the CIA+GB-H. GB inhibited the oxidative stress-related JAK2/STAT3 pathway and the pro-inflammatory IL-17A/Act1/TRAF6 pathway and promoted the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway. These findings provide background for the future application of GB in treating RA.
Preparations used to support bone health include both over-the-counter (OTC) medicinal products and dietary supplements. These categories differ in legal status and intended use: OTC medicinal products are used according to approved therapeutic indications, whereas dietary supplements are foodstuffs intended to supplement the normal diet. The aim of this study was to assess purchasing trends for preparations used to support bone health, based on sales data from stationary pharmacies across Poland. This 4-year retrospective analysis covered sales from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2023, using data from a nationwide sample of approximately 6,500 stationary pharmacies. Sales were analysed in three product categories: bone and joint strengthening preparations, vitamin D preparations, and calcium preparations. These categories included both OTC medicinal products and dietary supplements counted jointly in the pharmacy sales database. During the observation period, 123.5 million preparations classified as supporting skeletal health were sold. Sales of bone and joint strengthening preparations remained relatively comparable across the analysed years. The COVID-19 period was not associated with a clear change in the presented sales trends. Purchases of vitamin D preparations increased in the autumn-winter period each year, indicating a seasonal pattern in demand for products used to support vitamin D intake.
The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic value of plasma-derived exosome miR-1269a detection in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We preselected miR 1269a because it is consistently upregulated and functionally oncogenic in NSCLC—acting through FOXO1 and p53/PI3K–AKT pathways and has shown promising diagnostic performance as a circulating/exosomal marker in prior studies. Fifty NSCLC patients who visited Hebei University Affiliated Hospital from February 2022 to August 2022 were selected as the NSCLC group, and 30 healthy individuals undergoing physical examination were selected as the healthy control group. The levels of plasma-derived exosomal miR-1269a, cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21-1), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in peripheral blood were detected and compared between the groups. The levels of plasma-derived exosomal miR-1269a, CYFRA21-1, and CEA in NSCLC patients at different stages were compared. The clinical diagnostic value of miR-1269a, CYFRA21-1, and CEA for NSCLC was compared using ROC curves. The levels of plasma-derived exosomal miR-1269a, CYFRA21-1, and CEA in the NSCLC group were higher than those in the healthy control group. The levels of plasma-derived exosomal miR-1269a, CYFRA21-1, and CEA in the NSCLC group increased with the stage of NSCLC. The ROC curve showed that plasma-derived exosomal miR-1269a had a higher diagnostic value for NSCLC compared to CYFRA21-1 and CEA. miR-1269a is elevated in peripheral blood of NSCLC patients and has a high diagnostic value for NSCLC. These findings suggest that plasma-derived exosomal miR-1269a may serve as a promising noninvasive biomarker for the diagnosis of NSCLC.
This article describes optimization of stereoselective solid-phase synthesis and chemical and stereoisomeric purity testing of PSMA-D4 stereoisomers containing L-Trp or D-Trp – a novel drug substance for targeted radiation therapy of metastatic cancer. A method for the preparation of PSMA-D4 stereoisomers using D- and L-Trp has been developed and optimised. The optimal reaction conditions for chelator coupling (DOTA(tBu)3) were selected with use of COMU with DIPEA and reaction was carried out at 50 °C. A method for the purification of the synthesised isomers has been developed. Using this method, substances with a high HPLC purity of up to 97.0% were obtained. The identity of both synthesised stereoisomers was confirmed by sequencing and optical purity. Methods were developed for controlling the HPLC purity and optical purity of the produced PSMA-D4. Chemical purity was determined by HPLC: 99.4% for PSMA-D4 L-Trp and 99.6% for PSMA-D4 D-Trp. A method for the separation of PSMA-D4 stereoisomers was developed, yielding satisfactory resolution and signal symmetry for both compounds.
Poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability significantly limit the therapeutic potential of Andrographolide (AND), a bioactive compound with notable pharmacological effects. This study presents the design and optimization of a novel Self-emulsifying Drug Delivery System (SEDDS) specifically for AND to overcome these limitations by enhancing its pharmacokinetic profile. A systematic excipient screening process was employed, selecting oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants based on their hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB). The optimized AND-loaded SEDDS was identified using critical quality attributes, including droplet size (<150 nm), polydispersity index (≤0.25), transmittance (>80%), and drug content in distilled water, 0.1 mM HCl, and simulated intestinal fluid. Oral bioavailability was assessed through in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in Sprague Dawley rats. The selected formulation, composed of 11.11% castor oil, 71.11% cremophor RH40, and 17.78% span 20, met the required criteria of optimum DS, PdI, T%, and contained the highest drug loading (7.45 mg/mL). The optimized formulation showed improved drug release in the in vitro dissolution study and an 8-fold increase in in vivo pharmacokinetic study compared with pure AND. The AND-SEDDs remained stable profile during the short-term study and at three different storage conditions. SEDDs are an effective lipid-based strategy to overcome the poor solubility and low bioavailability issues for oral drugs, which also offer a promising approach for BCS Class II drug development in the future.
Delayed fracture healing and nonunion are common clinical challenges, particularly prevalent among elderly patients. Geniposide (GEN) has shown potential to promote bone regeneration, yet its mechanisms in fracture healing remain poorly understood. Mouse MC3T3-E1 cells were employed to assess the osteogenic effects of GEN using a cell counting kit-8 assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity measurement, Alizarin Red S staining, and Western blot analysis. The interactions of signaling pathways were further explored using the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist Noggin and the protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor MK2206. Additionally, a rat femoral fracture model was established to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of GEN through histological staining techniques (hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome), immunohistochemistry (targeting Runt-related transcription factor 2 [RUNX2], osteopontin [OPN], and osterix [OSX]), and biomechanical testing. GEN (≤ 50 μM) enhanced ALP activity, mineralized nodule formation, and the expression of osteogenic markers (RUNX2, OPN, and OSX) in a concentration-dependent manner. GEN activated the BMP-2/SMAD and phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways. MK2206 reduced levels of phosphorylated AKT and phosphorylated Mothers Against Decapentaplegic Homolog 1/5 (p-SMAD1/5) levels, whereas Noggin selectively suppressed p-SMAD1/5. In vivo, GEN improved fracture healing, increased mechanical strength per unit area, and promoted osteoblast aggregation and collagen deposition. By activating the PI3K/AKT and BMP/SMAD signaling pathways, GEN facilitates osteogenic differentiation and fracture repair, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for clinical fracture management.
From among nanomaterials, graphene, which was discovered in 2004, is of great interest. Thanks to its unique mechanical, electrical and optical properties, this two-dimensional form of carbon with a honeycomb structure has become an area of nanotechnology with great potential. Both graphene and graphene oxide (GO) are characterized by a number of specific chemical properties, and their further physical functionalization can result in further modifications of these properties. Biomedical applications are of particular interest to researchers. The purpose of this paper is to present the history of the discovery of graphene, its structure and the most important properties related to the useful functions of graphene and its derivatives, e.g. with antimicrobial properties. The mechanisms of their interactions with bacteria, factors determining the strength of these interactions and examples of practical applications are presented. Described, among others, are the applications of graphene and graphene oxide as platforms for the delivery of cytostatic drugs in photothermal and photodynamic therapy, used in the treatment of cancer. The use of graphene and graphene oxide in various imaging modalities for diagnosis and monitoring the progress of ongoing anticancer therapy is also presented. This article provides a summary of the current state of knowledge on graphene and its derivatives with an indication of applications in medicine and pharmacy.
To systematically identify and characterize bioactive phytochemicals from Astragalus membranaceus with mechanistic anti-ovarian cancer properties. Initial phytochemical screening employed the TCMID database, followed by rigorous filtering using Lipinski’s Rule, drug-likeness (DL ≥ 0.18), and in silico toxicity profiling. Compound-protein target associations were delineated using SuperPred, with interaction networks visualized in Cytoscape and prioritized by maximal clique centrality (CytoHubba). Ovarian cancer-relevant targets were retrieved from GeneCards and intersected via Jvenn. PPI networks were constructed (STRING), and GO/pathway enrichment (g:Profiler, KEGG, Reactome) analyses elucidated functional contexts. Differential gene expression and correlation analyses leveraged GEPIA2 and UALCAN. In silico molecular docking assessed binding affinities of Daidzein to hub proteins. Functional efficacy was evaluated in SKOV3 cells using MTT cytotoxicity, colony formation, Annexin V/PI flow cytometry, DAPI nuclear morphology, scratch migration assay, and qRT-PCR for hub gene expression. Three candidate compounds—Isoliquiritigenin, Kumatakenin, and Daidzein—fulfilled all drug-likeness and safety criteria. Compound-target mapping identified 335 protein targets, with 20 overlapping ovarian cancer-relevant targets in PPI networks. CytoHubba highlighted STAT1, PTPN11, PIK3R1, and PDGFRB as core hubs. Enrichment analysis implicated key oncogenic and signal transduction pathways. Tumor transcriptomic profiling revealed significant upregulation of these hub genes. Daidzein demonstrated robust molecular affinity for PIK3R1 and PDGFRB. Cellular assays confirmed Daidzein’s potent inhibition of SKOV3 viability, colony formation, migration, and induction of apoptosis, with marked downregulation of all four hub genes. Integrated computational and experimental analyses nominate Daidzein from Astragalus membranaceus as a promising phytochemical exhibiting targeted anti-ovarian cancer activity, warranting further translational investigation.
Nifuroxazide (NFX) is an antibacterial drug used in the treatment of acute diarrhoea. The increasing incidence and mortality rates associated with malignancies underscore the urgent need to identify new indications for existing drugs. This approach, known as drug repurposing, takes advantage of the well-established efficacy, accessible safety profiles, and comprehensive clinical data. These drugs have well-established efficacy, accessible safety profiles, and comprehensive clinical data. This review explores the potential role of nifuroxazide in cancer therapy. The adjunctive application of nifuroxazide during cancer therapy, including breast, lung, liver, prostate, colon, and hematological cancers, is facilitated primarily through the inhibition of STAT3 and JAK kinases, consequently impairing cancer cell proliferation. Furthermore, NFX has been observed to suppress other signalling pathways, including PD-1/PD-L1, and to inhibit kinases such as JAK, Src, and Abl. This results in decreased expression of key oncogenic proteins such as Bcl-2 and ALDH1. Nifuroxazide has been demonstrated to exert anti-proliferative effects on malignant cells, whilst concomitantly inducing apoptosis. These observations suggest a promising therapeutic potential across a range of cancerous conditions.
Ivermectin (IVM) is a safe broad-spectrum anthelminthic. Currently, ivermectin is a promising candidate for repurposable on cological drugs. However, IVM has not yet been used in clinical cancer patients. An updated systematic review of the literature is presented here along with an individual-level patient data (IPD) meta-analysis describing the safety of ivermectin in cancer patients who are parasite-infected. We identified 2273 publications, and 26 sources described studies that met the minimum criteria for a cancer patient who was treated with ivermectin. The limited data available suggest that parasite-infected ivermectin cancer patients are safe. However, we still need data from carefully designed clinical trials to provide further assurance.
Herbal have gained recognition as valuable adjuncts in managing cardiovascular disease (CVD), offering multi-targeted benefits across key risk factors. This review summarizes data from different data bases over the past decade, focusing on herbs with traditional and emerging cardiovascular applications. The selection is supported by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and its Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) monographs. Key herbs include artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. syn. Cynara scolymus L.) turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), Citrus bergamia (Citrus bergamia Risso & Poit.), garlic (Allium sativum L.), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.), danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge), hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), Terminalia arjuna (Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC.) Wight & Arn.), Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A.Meyer.), green tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze), ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), black cumin (Nigella sativa L.), motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca L), and others. These plants are rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and organosulfur compounds, which exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and lipid-lowering effects. Clinical evidence supports garlic’s impact on blood pressure and lipids, hawthorn’s benefits in heart failure, and ginseng and ginkgo’s role in vascular function. Curcumin and gingerols contribute to anti-inflammatory activity and improved metabolic profiles. Additional herbs like bergamot and hibiscus also show cholesterol- and blood pressure-lowering effects. While the overall safety profile is favourable, herb–drug interactions must be considered. Collectively, these herbal agents offer a natural, accessible, and cost-effective complement to conventional CVD therapies. However, further large-scale clinical trials are essential to confirm efficacy, establish standardized dosing, and evaluate long-term safety in cardiovascular care.
