A Novel Promising Frontier for Human Health: The Beneficial Effects of Nutraceuticals in Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and diabetes are a significant public health problem worldwide. Although several novel pharmacological treatments to reduce the progression of CVDs have been discovered during the last 20 years, the better way to contain the onset of CVDs remains prevention. In this regard, nutraceuticals seem to own a great potential in maintaining human health, exerting important protective cardiovascular effects. In the last years, there has been increased focus on identifying natural compounds with cardiovascular health-promoting effects and also to characterize the molecular mechanisms involved. Although many review articles have focused on the individual natural compound impact on cardiovascular diseases, the aim of this manuscript was to examine the role of the most studied nutraceuticals, such as resveratrol, cocoa, quercetin, curcumin, brassica, berberine and Spirulina platensis, on different CVDs.

The Role of Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Aging and Cardiovascular Diseases

“…They can also be taken in the form of food supplements in liquid formulations, in tablets, capsules, and in isolated or combination [ 428 , 432 ]. The wide range of these molecules and the lack of knowledge in the single and combined effects make it difficult to have a precise consideration of the therapeutic strategy to implement in clinical settings [ 433 , 434 ]. Among these, resveratrol and Sirts activation as a DR-mimetic have elicited great research interest.…”

“…Among these, resveratrol and Sirts activation as a DR-mimetic have elicited great research interest. Resveratrol is a compound found in grapes and wine and has been associated with many cardioprotective effects including antioxidant, cardiac anti-aging, antiaggregating, enhance eNOS signaling effects, and LDL-ox reduction effects [ 433 , 435 , 436 ]. Worth noting is resveratrol’s effect on cardiac diastolic dysfunction, in insulin resistance, and on transcriptional profile [ 437 ].…”

The Role of Resveratrol in Liver Disease: A Comprehensive Review from In Vitro to Clinical Trials

“…Resveratrol has been shown to elicit relevant antioxidant properties in a wide range of hepatic disorders [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. Specifically, its effect is mainly exerted by the reduction of RNS (ROS/reactive nitrogen species), elimination of direct free radicals, and an improvement in endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity (e.g., SOD, CAT, GSH) [ 34 , 35 ].…”

Modulations of Cardiac Functions and Pathogenesis by Reactive Oxygen Species and Natural Antioxidants

“…Quercetin (2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-4 H -chromen-4-one) is one of the most abundant dietary flavonoids, and it contains a polyphenolic chemical substructure that prevents oxidation in the oxidative chain reactions by scavenging free radicals, thereby preventing inflammation, hypertension and ischemic heart diseases [ 166 , 167 ]. It is known to protect cardiac myocytes from myocardial injury under doxorubicin treatment.…”