Exploring the Cardio-Protective Effect of Bioactive Compounds Present in Ginger, Garlic, and Turmeric

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality globally, with lifestyle and dietary habits playing crucial roles in their development and progression. Spices such as ginger, garlic, and turmeric have been traditionally recognized for their health benefits, attributed to their rich content of bioactive compounds. These spices offer potential therapeutic strategies for managing and preventing CVDs through various mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypo-lipidemic, and anti-thrombotic properties. Objective: This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the cardioprotective effects of ginger, garlic, and turmeric, focusing on their impact on lipid profiles, endothelial function, and overall cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: A comprehensive search of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to 2023. Criteria for inclusion encompassed clinical trials and observational studies examining the effects of ginger, garlic, and turmeric on CVD risk factors. Data on study design, population, intervention, outcomes, and conclusions were extracted and synthesized. Results: The review included studies that reported beneficial effects of ginger, garlic, and turmeric on cardiovascular health. Specifically, these spices were found to improve lipid profiles by reducing levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Furthermore, they exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which are vital in mitigating endothelial dysfunction and reducing cardiovascular risk. Conclusion: Ginger, garlic, and turmeric possess significant potential in reducing CVD risk through multiple mechanisms. Their inclusion in the diet may offer a natural and complementary approach to conventional CVD therapies. However, further large-scale, randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings and facilitate the integration of these spices into medical practice for CVD prevention and management.