Therapeutic agents for the management of atherosclerosis from herbal sources

PurposeCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) arising from atherosclerosis are a foremost cause of death and morbidity worldwide. Atherosclerosis and hypertension are the most common factors responsible for CVDs. Due to the increasing prevalence of CVDs caused by atherosclerosis, there is a vital need for precise investigations to rationalize the use of the potential herbal medicines. This review aims to judge current available knowledge of therapeutic agents from herbal sources for management of atherosclerosis.MethodBibliographic investigation was done to retrieve available published literature by scrutinizing traditional textbooks and peer reviewed papers, accessing worldwide-accepted scientific databases (Scopus, PubMed, SciELO, NISCAIR, and Google Scholar). The inclusion criterion for the selection of plants was based upon all medicinal herbs and their active compounds with attributed potentials in relieving atherosclerosis.ResultWide varieties of plants have been used in the management of atherosclerosis. Overall, 300 articles were reviewed for plant literature, and out of the reviewed literature, 80 articles from year 2000–2016 were selected for the study. The plants were categorized according to the drug targets involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis i.e. modification of lipoprotein levels and adhesion of molecules, LDL oxidation, endothelial dysfunction, plaque formation etc.ConclusionHerbs are enacting a reappearance and herbal rebirth is being experienced all over the world. The herbal products signify safety in comparison to the synthetics that are considered as a risk to human beings and to the environment as well. This article may provide the insights of rationale use of medicinal agents from herbal sources based on their mode of action in management of atherosclerosis.