Objective: Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease characterized by the accumulation of lipid plaques and other substances on the walls of arteries, which can lead to narrowing and blockage of blood vessels, ultimately resulting in cardiovascular problems. This condition is associated with factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and genetic predispositions. Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in modern societies, necessitating the development of effective treatment and preventive methods. The aim of this review is to examine the most important medicinal plants used in Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of atherosclerosis, and to analyze their mechanisms of action in preventing and treating this disease.
Methodology: The present review study utilized keywords such as medicinal plants, traditional medicine, indigenous plants of Iran, and atherosclerosis. The articles were searched through academic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, as well as specialized sources such as reference books, encyclopedias, and online research resources.
Results: The medicinal plants identified as being most effective in the treatment of atherosclerosis in Iranian traditional medicine include Equisetum arvense, Citrus limon, Curcuma longa, Rosmarinus officinalis, Allium sativum, Silybum marianum, Cynara scolymus, Crataegus monogyna, Zingiber officinale, Capsicum annuum, Hypericum perforatum, Anethum graveolens, Petroselinum crispum, Salvia officinalis, Origanum vulgare, Brassica oleracea, Apium graveolens, Daucus carota, Lactuca sativa, Spinacia oleracea, Cucurbita pepo, Camellia sinensis, Cichorium intybus, Rhus coriaria, Medicago sativa, Mentha piperita, Linum usitatissimum, Malus domestica, Chelidonium majus, Satureja hortensis, Allium cepa, Portulaca oleracea, Glycine max, and Coriandrum sativum.
Conclusion: Medicinal plants in Iranian traditional medicine, with their active compounds that possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering properties, play a significant role in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. These plants are particularly effective in reducing inflammation, improving vascular function, and preventing the accumulation of lipid plaques, thus contributing to the improvement of atherosclerosis. However, clinical studies and extensive trials are needed to confirm the therapeutic effects and optimal dosages of these plants, enabling their use as complementary therapeutic options in the management of atherosclerosis.
Methodology: The present review study utilized keywords such as medicinal plants, traditional medicine, indigenous plants of Iran, and atherosclerosis. The articles were searched through academic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, as well as specialized sources such as reference books, encyclopedias, and online research resources.
Results: The medicinal plants identified as being most effective in the treatment of atherosclerosis in Iranian traditional medicine include Equisetum arvense, Citrus limon, Curcuma longa, Rosmarinus officinalis, Allium sativum, Silybum marianum, Cynara scolymus, Crataegus monogyna, Zingiber officinale, Capsicum annuum, Hypericum perforatum, Anethum graveolens, Petroselinum crispum, Salvia officinalis, Origanum vulgare, Brassica oleracea, Apium graveolens, Daucus carota, Lactuca sativa, Spinacia oleracea, Cucurbita pepo, Camellia sinensis, Cichorium intybus, Rhus coriaria, Medicago sativa, Mentha piperita, Linum usitatissimum, Malus domestica, Chelidonium majus, Satureja hortensis, Allium cepa, Portulaca oleracea, Glycine max, and Coriandrum sativum.
Conclusion: Medicinal plants in Iranian traditional medicine, with their active compounds that possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering properties, play a significant role in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. These plants are particularly effective in reducing inflammation, improving vascular function, and preventing the accumulation of lipid plaques, thus contributing to the improvement of atherosclerosis. However, clinical studies and extensive trials are needed to confirm the therapeutic effects and optimal dosages of these plants, enabling their use as complementary therapeutic options in the management of atherosclerosis.