Cardiovascular Health
The health of the heart and blood vessels in the body is termed cardiovascular health.
If there is any problem in the functioning of the heart or blood vessels, then it can lead to several disorders that are very common worldwide.
These cardiovascular problems have multiple risk factors, exposure to which can increase the chance of getting these disorders [1].
Multiple treatments including herbal treatments with either no side effects or negligible side effects are also available for curing these disorders. All these details will be discussed in this article.
Cardiovascular Diseases
Any problem in the heart or blood vessels can lead to cardiovascular disorder.
There are multiple types of cardiovascular disease that are reported in the literature.
Around 50% of adults face at least one of the cardiovascular problems in most countries of the world. So, these diseases are very common.
The problem can be in any part of the heart and can have serious symptoms. However, in some cases, the person may be asymptomatic although he has the disease [2].
The cardiovascular problem results when:
The blood vessels get narrowed in the heart or any other body part.
If there is a problem in any part of the heart when the child is born.
If there is an irregularity in the rhythms of the heart.
The heat valves are not performing function properly.
These disorders may be genetic and may result from exposure to some environmental factors.
Rik Factors Associated with Cardiovascular Diseases
Different factors have been reported that can increase the risk of getting problems in the heart or blood vessels if a person is exposed to any of these.
Some of the important factors that are associated with increasing the risk for cardiovascular disorders are as follows:
Hypertension
High levels of glucose in the blood.
Use of tobacco by the person.
Family history of the disorder.
Inactive lifestyle of the person.
Obesity and overweight.
Type 2 diabetes also increases the risk of getting heart disorders.
If a person consumes a diet that has high levels of fats, sodium, and sugar, it can also increase the risk of getting cardiovascular disorders.
Use of alcohol by the person.
Some chronic kidney diseases can also increase the risk of heat disorders.
Use of some medications is another factor associated with getting heart disease [3].
Symptoms of Cardiovascular Disorders
If a person has any type of problem in the heart or the blood vessel, there is a chance that he may be asymptomatic or may have multiple symptoms.
Some of the important symptoms associated with the diseases of blood vessels and the heart are as follows:
Difficulty in breathing.
Pain in chest.
Dizziness.
Fatigue.
Swelling in legs.
Difficulty in seeing and talking [4].
Preventive Measures
In order to reduce the chances of getting cardiovascular disease, a person can follow several preventive measures.
These steps include:
Adopting a healthy lifestyle with exercise.
Maintaining proper weight of the body.
Eating food that is low in fats and sugars.
Avoiding the use of alcohol and tobacco products [5].
Berberine
Berberine is a naturally occurring substance found in the stems, rhizomes, and roots of many different plants.
Due to its many health advantages, it has been utilized in old medicine for many years, especially in Chinese and Ayurveda.
Due to its potential therapeutic benefits for many illnesses, such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, berberine has drawn a lot of attention in recent years.
One of berberine's primary modes of action is its capacity to interact with a variety of molecular targets, including receptors, signaling pathways, and enzymes, resulting in a variety of pharmacological effects.
There has been a great deal of research done to understand the numerous and complex biological features of berberine. The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effects of berberine have all been demonstrated.
The role of berberine in metabolic syndrome and diabetes is one of the substance's many known health advantages. Insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension are all parts of the metabolic syndrome, which together raise the chances of T2D and cardiovascular illnesses [6].
Berberine has also been demonstrated to have lipid-lowering properties. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase, an enzyme involved in the production of fatty acids, is inhibited by it, which results in a reduction in the production of triglycerides and cholesterol.
By increasing the gene expression of the LDL receptor, which aids in removing LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, berberine also speeds up the breakdown of cholesterol. Because of its lipid-lowering properties, berberine has the potential to lessen the risk of cardiovascular illnesses.
Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, a vital enzyme involved in cellular energy control, is activated by berberine, which has been demonstrated to enhance insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Berberine increases signaling and muscle glucose absorption by activating AMPK inhibits liver glucose synthesis, enhances insulin signaling, and improves glycemic control.
Berberine has demonstrated potential results in many additional medical problems in addition to metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
By preventing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines and deactivating nuclear factor-kappa B, a crucial transcription factor involved in inflammation, berberine has been shown to have anti-inflammatory qualities. As a result, inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may benefit from berberine as a treatment [7].
Additionally, berberine possesses anti-cancer qualities. According to studies, berberine prevents cancer cells from proliferating, produces cell cycle arrest, encourages apoptosis, and prevents angiogenesis.
Berberine is a viable candidate for cancer therapy since it has demonstrated encouraging outcomes against many cancers.
In addition, berberine has been said to possess antimicrobial qualities, such as actions that are antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium linked to peptic ulcers, have both been demonstrated to be inhibited by berberine. The antiviral properties of berberine have also been demonstrated against many viruses, such as the hepatitis B virus, the human immunodeficiency virus, and the herpes simplex virus [8].
Berberine as Cardioprotective Agent and Its Mechanism of Action
A lot of research has been done on the berberine compound and it has been found that it is an important compound with positive outcomes in treating heart problems.
Berberine has been found to be highly effective in reducing blood pressure as well as blood cholesterol levels.
It can also stop the formation of smooth muscles in blood vessels that may stop the flow of blood and can lead to several disorders.
Inflammation is one of the major causes of cardiovascular problems and berberine has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce inflammation in any part of the body and can prevent heart problems [9].
It can also help in the prevention of cardiovascular disorders by improving the electrical activities of the heart as well as by improving the endothelial function of blood vessels to stop any blood flow.
Research studies have shown that berberine not only improves the function of heart muscles but also helps in proper blood flow to all parts of the body including the brain.
Because of these properties of berberine, it can be a promising compound for treating as well as preventing disorders related to blood vessels and the heart [10].
Preclinical and Clinical Trials Data
The safety and efficacy of the important compound, berberine, as a cardioprotective agent have been demonstrated through multiple experimental studies.
Different in vitro studies were performed to study the mechanism of action of berberine in improving heart health.
However, preclinical and clinical studies are also performed on animal models and human patients respectively to check the safety of this compound and its effectiveness in treating cardiovascular disorders.
Multiple studies performed on the animal models have shown that berberine has anti-inflammatory properties, can reduce oxidative stress, improves blood flow, improves endothelial health, and has many other important functions in the body that can help in preventing and treating cardiovascular problems [11].
A study performed on animal models with different heart problems and hypertension who were given berberine on regular basis showed that berberine is an effective medication in alleviating the symptoms in these animals.
Clinical trial studies have also been performed on human patients with different heart problems and berberine was given to them. These trials also confirmed the positive outcomes of berberine.
Study on Human Patients with Congestive Heart Failure
A clinical trial was performed on human patients who were having congestive heart failure, a severe disorder of the heart.
These patients were randomly given berberine for a specific time period.
A great reduction in the symptoms of the disorder was observed in these patients.
It was also found that the risk of having a severe heart attack was significantly reduced in these patients as compared to the patients who were not treated with this compound.
So, this trial confirmed berberine as a safe and effective compound in cardiovascular treatments [12].
Clinical Study on Patients with Hypertension
Another clinical trial study was performed on patients who had high blood pressure disorder.
These patients were given berberine regularly.
It was seen that hypertension was greatly reduced in these patients and their cardiac health was also improved.
No side effect was observed in these patients, and this showed that berberine can be a safe and effective remedy for treating patients with hypertension [13].
Study on Patients with Atherosclerosis
Preclinical and clinical studies have also been performed on animal models and human patients with atherosclerosis respectively.
A study was performed on humans with atherosclerosis disorder who were given berberine regularly and results were observed later on.
It was found that the patients who were treated with berberine had a significant reduction in cholesterol in their bodies.
Moreover, the risk of cardiac failure and other heart disorders was also significantly reduced in these patients [14].
Conclusion
Berberine is a natural compound with many properties for treating bad health conditions.
It has strong anti-inflammatory properties that can help in the treatment of cardiovascular problems.
Different experimental studies have confirmed berberine as an effective cardioprotective agent. It helps in the prevention and treatment of many cardiac problems.
Berberine can act by different mechanisms to improve cardiac health as mentioned above in this article.
It can be an effective remedy in treating many heart and blood vessel disorders.
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