The Potential Therapeutic Value of Medicinal Plants in the Management of Metabolic Disorders

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a prevalent, multifactorial and complex disease that is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes and other major cardiovascular complications. The rise in the global prevalence of MetS has been attributed to genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. The adoption of sedentary lifestyles that are characterized by low physical activity and the consumption of high-energy diets contributes to MetS development. Current management criteria for MetS risk factors involve changes in lifestyle and the use of pharmacological agents that target specific biochemical pathways involved in the metabolism of nutrients. Pharmaceutical drugs are usually expensive and are associated with several undesirable side effects. Alternative management strategies of MetS risk factors involve the use of medicinal plants that are considered to have multiple therapeutic targets and are easily accessible. Medicinal plants contain several different biologically active compounds that provide health benefits. The impact of phytochemicals present in local medicinal plants on sustainable health and well-being of individuals has been studied for many years and found to involve a plethora of complex biochemical, metabolic, and physiological mechanisms. While some of these phytochemicals are the basis of mainstream prescribed drugs (e.g., metformin, reserpine, quinine, and salicin), there is a need to identify more medicinal plants that can be used for the management of components of MetS and to describe their possible mechanisms of action. In this review, we assess the potential health benefits of South African ethnomedicinal plants in protecting against the development of health outcomes associated with MetS. We aim to provide the state of the current knowledge on the use of medicinal plants and their therapeutically important phytochemicals by discussing the current trends, with critical examples from recent primary references of how medicinal plants are being used in South African rural and urban communities.

Influence of Extraction Solvent on the Phenolic Profile and Bioactivity of Two Achillea Species

“…However, some antibiotics show higher activities when combined with medicinal plant extracts [ 19 ]. A rising number of pharmaceutical companies develop herbal remedies to be used as a replacement for or a supplement to conventional medicines [ 20 ], primarily as prevention against disorders. Some examples are members of the genus Carpobrotus [ 21 ] or Hedychium [ 22 ].…”

Medicinal Properties of Phytochemicals and Their Production

“…CVD associated complications can be prevented by using anti-hypersensitive regimes to lower high blood pressure. Some traditionally used hyper-sensitive pharmaceutical drugs used are β-blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers, thiazide diuretics, calcium channel antagonists and vasodilators [31]. Several plant extracts have been identified possessing potential to treat CVDs including hypertension, congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease and atherosclerosis [32].…”

Dose-dependent effects of anthocyanin supplementation on platelet function in subjects with dyslipidemia: A randomized clinical trial

“…Particularly, the use of plant-derived bioactive flavonoids is considered a promising strategy for ASCVD risk control [17]. Certain natural foods, such as tomato extract, have been shown to exhibit beneficial antiplatelet properties in vitro and in vivo [18À20].…”