Pharmacological Potential of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees in Preventing Atherosclerosis: A Review

Abstract

It plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in blood vessel walls, which causes coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. 13,14 The atherosclerosis process is promoted by fatty streak formation by low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) trapping, endothelial cells and leukocytes activation, and foam cells formation. This is followed by atheroma formation, then, finally, is the establishment of atherosclerotic plaques. 15 Various efforts have been made to prevent the prognosis of dyslipidemia from becoming atherosclerosis. However, one of the most recognized and sustainable efforts in treating the current disease is by empowering traditional medicine. The well-known causes of atherosclerosis pathogenesis are oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia conditions. AP is known to have these three biological activities. It is broadly known as a versatile traditional medicinal plant that has anti-dyslipidemia, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Also, AP has been used as a traditional bitter drink that empirically has a natural potential to prevent many health disorders. Therefore, it is necessary to further explore the potential of a bitter drink and its pharmacological benefits. The aim of the present study was to explore the potential of AP in the prevention of atherosclerosis. MethodsScientific data were gathered from new articles published in the last 10 years. PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google were the databases used. Journal articles describing the effects of AP, their equivalents, and derivatives on metabolic syndrome dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and other disorders were examined. Also, published data which included in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials were considered. Scientific data other than metabolic syndrome and the reports that did not include AP enrichment were not included in this study. All publications matching the keywords were analyzed with the following objectives in mind: (1) to identify medicinal plants that affect atherosclerosis prevention;