Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a global health burden that greatly impact patient quality of life and account for a huge number of deaths worldwide. Despite current therapies, several side effects have been reported that compromise patient adherence; thus, affecting therapeutic benefits. In this context, plant metabolites, namely volatile extracts and compounds, have emerged as promising therapeutic agents. Indeed, these compounds, in addition to having beneficial bioactivities, are generally more amenable and present less side effects, allowing better patient tolerance. The present review is an updated compilation of the studies carried out in the last 20 years on the beneficial potential of essential oils, and their compounds, against major risk factors of CVDs. Overall, these metabolites show beneficial potential through a direct effect on these risk factors, namely hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes, or by acting on related targets, or exerting general cellular protection. In general, monoterpenic compounds are the most studied regarding hypotensive and anti-dyslipidemic/antidiabetic properties, whereas phenylpropanoids are very effective at avoiding platelet aggregation. Despite the number of studies performed, clinical trials are sparse and several aspects related to essential oil’s features, namely volatility and chemical variability, need to be considered in order to guarantee their efficacy in a clinical setting.
Highlights
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to impact global health, as demonstrated byWorld Health Organization (WHO) reports, which show that CVDs account for 31% of total deaths worldwide [1]
The present review highlights the potential of essential oils and their compounds to decrease the burden of CVDs by targeting major associated risk factors and/or related tardecrease the burden of CVDs by targeting major associated risk factors and/or related targets
Despite the plethora of risk factors that lead to the development of CVDs, most of the the studies using essential focus on hypertension, diabetes, and/or dyslipidemia/obestudies using essential oils oils focus on hypertension, diabetes, and/or dyslipidemia/obesity
Summary
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to impact global health, as demonstrated by. World Health Organization (WHO) reports, which show that CVDs account for 31% of total deaths worldwide [1]. Decrease this trend, new therapeutic and/or preventive less side areTo imperative In this scenario, natural products, particularlystrategies aromatic with and medicinal plants,are have emerged asIn promising agents to tackle cardiovascular disordersaromatic and associated effects imperative. Herbs are usedpotential in the is evidenced by the Mediterranean-style diet, which is embraced worldwide due to treatment of several chronic and acute conditions, including CVDs [11] Their beneficial its reported health benefits, directly on CVDs or indirectly by reducing associated risk potential is evidenced by the Mediterranean-style diet, which is embraced worldwide factors, such as cholesterol [12]. Bearing in mind the bioactive potential of these volatiles, the present review gathers a systematized compilation of the effects of essential oils and their compounds on major CVD risk factors, namely hypertension and dyslipidemia/diabetes. Studies published over the last 20 years were considered; a total of 144 publications reporting these effects are included in the present review
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