Natural metabolites used in traditional Chinese medicine for cardiovascular diseases: pharmacological mechanisms, evidence, and future directions.

ABSTRACT: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, highlighting an urgent need for new treatments. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a rich repository of natural metabolites (flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, etc.) that act on multiple targets to protect the heart and blood vessels. These compounds have demonstrated multiple cardioprotective effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-atherosclerotic, and blood pressure-lowering activities. They work by reducing oxidative stress, dampening chronic inflammation, improving blood vessel function, correcting abnormal lipid levels, and mitigating cardiac fibrosis. Recent preclinical studies and clinical trials show that TCM-derived metabolites can improve cardiovascular health. For inst

SUBMITTER: Liu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12641511 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature