The Effects of Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Natural Compounds on Homocysteine

Abstract

Background: Among non-communicable diseases, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in global communities. By 2030, CVD-related deaths are projected to reach a global rise of 25 million. Obesity, smoking, alcohol, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hyperhomocysteinemia are several known risk factors for CVDs. Elevated homocysteine is tightly related to CVDs through multiple mechanisms, including inflammation of the vascular endothelium. The strategies for appropriate management of CVDs are constantly evolving; medicinal plants have received remarkable attention in recent researches, since these natural products have promising effects on the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases. The effects of nutraceuticals and herbal products on CVD/dyslipidemia have been previously studied. However, to our knowledge, the association between herbal bioactive compounds and homocysteine has not been reviewed in details. Thus, the main objective of this study is to review the efficacy of bioactive natural compounds on homocysteine levels according to clinical trials and animal studies. Results: Based on animal studies, black and green tea, cinnamon, resveratrol, curcumin, garlic extract, ginger, and soy significantly reduced the homocysteine levels. According to the clinical trials, curcumin and resveratrol showed favorable effects on serum homocysteine. In conclusion, this review highlighted the beneficial effects of medicinal plants as natural, inexpensive, and accessible agents on homocysteine levels based on animal studies. Nevertheless, the results of the clinical trials were not uniform, suggesting that more well-designed trials are warranted.

Resveratrol: A new approach to ameliorate hyperhomocysteinaemia-induced renal dysfunction

“…This may explain why there was no difference in the expression of NOX2 and NOX4 proteins between the HHCY + RSV and HHCY + FA groups. Furthermore, the results of the present study demonstrated that RSV reduced the serum HCY levels, which is consistent with previous research (16). However, this change was not as significant as for FA treatment, as there was no significant difference between FA and RSV in terms of improving renal function.…”

“…The natural antioxidant RSV improves diabetic kidney damage and delays kidney aging (23,24). Moreover, it has previously been confirmed that RSV can reduce HCY levels (16). Therefore, RSV may be a potential treatment for HHCY-induced hypertensive renal damage.…”

Antihyperlipidemic, hypoglycaemic and antioxidative potential of Juglans Regia (walnuts) in an experimental animal model of dietary hyperlipidemia.

“…Mollisto treats the renal injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion. Another study conducted on walnuts confirmed that the hepatoprotective impact of the walnut extract was beneficial against liver damage caused by CCl4 in rats 24 .…”

Calluna vulgaris as a Valuable Source of Bioactive Compounds: Exploring Its Phytochemical Profile, Biological Activities and Apitherapeutic Potential

“…Throughout these services, plants have a positive influence on the human population and mostly on human wellbeing [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. As a consequence, recent decades have witnessed a continuous interest of the scientific field towards medicinal plants, natural products [ 5 , 6 , 7 ] and apitherapy [ 8 , 9 ] that can provide important resources for sustainable development [ 10 , 11 ]. Because of the importance given to plants for preventing and curing various diseases, their role has grown, and more attention has been given to the secondary metabolites and their nutritional and health benefits [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”