A Review of Herbal Antioxidants Effective on Hyperlipidemia in Iranian Ethnobotanical Knowledge and with Their Mechanisms of Action
Subject Areas : Journal of Chemical Health RisksAli Soleimani 1 , Ozra Asham 2 *
1 - Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
2 - Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
Keywords: Hyperlipidemia, Cardiovascular diseases, Medicinal plants, Traditional treatment,
Abstract :
Elevated blood lipid levels can lead to the deposition of lipids within the vascular walls, resulting in vessel constriction. Prompt and appropriate intervention for hyperlipidemia is crucial not only to prevent the onset of coronary artery narrowing but also to hinder its progression and potentially facilitate its reversal. Many plants, including vegetables and fruits, demonstrate cholesterol-lowering properties attributed to their fiber content. This study aims to identify medicinal plants within Iranian ethnobotanical knowledge that exhibit potential efficacy in managing hyperlipidemia. This review employed reputable databases to aggregate data on phytotherapeutic species with potential efficacy in managing hyperlipidemia. A comprehensive search strategy was implemented, utilizing specific keywords such as 'medicinal plants,' 'blood lipids,' 'hyperlipidemia,' 'phytotherapy,' and 'ethnobotany' in both English and their respective translations. The selected articles underwent a rigorous screening process, adhering to criteria such as publication date within the past twelve years, unrestricted access, and substantial information on the impact of botanical species on hyperlipidemia. Based on the obtained results, it was determined that the medicinal plant's Thymus vulgare, Apium graveolens, Cichorium intybus, Fumaria officinali, Cynodon dactylon, Heracleum rawianum, Anthemis altissima, Gundelia tourneforttii, Anthriscus sylvestris, Silybum marianum, Tragopogon aureus, Trigonella foenum-graecum , Solanum nigrum, Berberis vulgaris, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Cichorium intybus, Arum elongatum, Rheum ribes, Mentha spicata, and several other medicinal plants are used in different regions of Ayaran for hyperlipidemia. The use of indigenous medicinal plants from Iran in the management of hyperlipidemia, grounded in ethnobotanical knowledge, is not only historically significant but also supported by contemporary scientific research. These botanical agents can effectively lower blood lipid levels through various mechanisms, including the inhibition of lipid absorption and the enhancement of metabolic rates. The growing interest in traditional medicine and the utilization of these botanical resources has gained popularity due to their inherent advantages and reduced side effects compared to synthetic pharmaceuticals. Continued scholarly investigation in this area holds promise for the development of innovative and effective therapeutic agents derived from these plants.
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