The Therapeutic Potentials of Malaysian Medicinal Plants for Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review

Wei Keat Chin; Khairana Husain; Norsyahida Mohd Fauzi; Malina Jasamai

doi:10.55230/mabjournal.v55i3.3722

Authors

Wei Keat Chin Centre for Drug & Herbal Development, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Khairana Husain Centre for Drug & Herbal Development, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Norsyahida Mohd Fauzi Centre for Drug & Herbal Development, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Malina Jasamai
malina@ukm.edu.my
Centre for Drug & Herbal Development, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Keywords:

antihyperlipidaemia, anticoagulant,, cardioprotective, cardiovascular diseases, Malaysian plants, vasorelaxant

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are among the most common diseases around the world with a considerably high rate of mortality. In view of this, multiple approaches have been proposed, especially in exploiting the potential of herbal plants due to their availability, accessibility and medicinal values. This review was conducted based on 16 medicinal herbs available in Malaysia as listed in the Malaysian Herbal Monograph. The aim was to study their effects on the alleviation of cardiovascular diseases, to analyse the relationship between the phytochemical compounds of herbal plants in relation to cardiovascular diseases and to review their underlying mechanism of action. The medicinal plants are organised based on their effects on alleviating cardiovascular diseases either directly or indirectly through reduction of cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as antihyperlipidemic, vasodilatory effects, cardioprotective and anticoagulant effects. Both in vivo and in vitro studies are included in this review to demonstrate the scientific value of related plants in cardiovascular diseases. In conclusion, many studies have identified a diversity of herbal plants in Malaysia to possess cardiovascular-relieving activities. Further studies can be conducted to develop these plants for cardiovascular disease treatment or prevention.

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