An Overview of Cardiotonic Medicinal Plants from the Perspective of Iranian Traditional Medicine

authors:

avatar Akram Alembagheri ORCID 1 , avatar Homa Hajimehdipoor ORCID 2 , avatar Rasool Choopani ORCID 3 , avatar Somayeh Esmaeili ORCID 2 , *

Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Traditional Medicine and Materia Medica Research Center, Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

how to cite: Alembagheri A, Hajimehdipoor H, Choopani R, Esmaeili S. An Overview of Cardiotonic Medicinal Plants from the Perspective of Iranian Traditional Medicine. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod. 2023;18(1):e129338. https://doi.org/10.5812/jjnpp-129338.

Abstract

Context:

Cardiovascular disorders are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, especially in people with diabetes. Due to synthetic drugs’ adverse effects, new medicines are needed.

Evidence Acquisition:

Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) is one of the oldest medical systems. In this article, we first introduce a list of cardiotonic medicinal plants based on ITM. Then we review the cardio-related effects of these plants based on electronic databases.

Results:

Among the introduced medicinal plants from ITM, Phyllanthus emblica L., Rosa canina L., Ocimum basilicum L., and Melissa officinalis L. have cardiotonic effects. Also, P. emblica, O. basilicum, M. officinalis, Citrus medica L., Malus domestica Borkh., Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton, and R. canina have cardioprotective effects and possess several biological activities that reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Conclusions:

The cardiotonic medicinal plants based on ITM have excellent value; several pharmacological studies have proved some of their cardioprotective and cardiotonic effects. The other plants’ potential for improving the heart’s contractile power as a cardiotonic drug must be evaluated in further pharmacological and clinical studies.

1. Context

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in people with diabetes (1). Diabetes increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, cardiac inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, which can lead to cardiac dysfunction (2-5). These events produce structural and functional cardiac changes that reduce blood flow (3-5). Hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and obesity raise the risk of complications associated with this disease (6). Cardiotonic enhances heart contractility and cardiac function, increasing blood flow to all organs and tissues (7).

Despite advances in CVD treatments, new drugs are needed due to synthetic drug adverse effects. Research on medicinal plants that can be added to diets to minimize CVD risk is also crucial (8). Cardiovascular disease risk factors can be decreased by medicinal plants’ biological effects, such as their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sugar-lowering, and lipid-lowering properties (9). Additionally, various plant cardiotonic substances, including digoxin and ouabain, have been identified (10). Overall, the study of medicinal plants’ effectiveness in CVD is recommended to manage the disease (9).

Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) is one of the oldest medical systems using medicinal plants to treat various diseases, including heart disease (11). Tonic medicine was one of the ITM’s recommendations for improving an organ’s physiological activities and increasing its resistance to pathological conditions. In this study, we introduce medicinal plants described as cardiotonic from the perspective of ITM.

2. Evidence Acquisition

To identify medicinal plants having tonifying effect on the heart, this study used six books, including Al-Qanoon fi al-Tibb (The Canon of Medicine) by Avicenna (11), Al-Havi (The Liber Continens) by Rhazes (12), the Makhzan-ol-Adviah, by Aghili Khorasani (13), Al-abniye an- Hagha’egh-al- Adviah written by Heravi (14), Tohfat-al- Mo’menin written by Hakim Mo’men (15) and Al-Shamel fe-Sena’at-e- Tabiee by Gharashi (16). Keywords such as “moghavi-e-ghalb” and “moghavi-e-del,” which mean cardiotonic, were chosen. The matching and translation of medicinal plants’ traditional names into scientific terms were done using the following three books: Encyclopedia of Traditional Medicine (Medicinal Plants) (17), Comparative description of ancient medicinal plants (18), and Scientific names of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine (19). The medicinal plants’ scientific names were searched in electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct. Data were collected from inception until November 2022. Only English language articles that full text was available were included. The search terms were the scientific name and common name of each plant combined with “cardiac,” “heart,” “inotrope,” “cardiac dysfunction,” “systolic dysfunction,” “diastolic dysfunction,” “heart failure,” and “cardiomyopathy”. The study in electronic databases for each plant was performed as follows: “scientific name” [Title/Abstract] or “common name” [Title/ Abstract] and “cardiac” [Title/Abstract] or “heart” [Title/Abstract]) or “inotrope” [Title/Abstract]) or “cardiomyopathy” [Title/Abstract]) or “cardiac dysfunction” [Title/ Abstract] or “systolic dysfunction” [Title/Abstract] or “diastolic dysfunction” [Title/Abstract]) or “heart failure” [Title/Abstract]). We have considered in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies.

3. Results

The selected medicinal plants were ranked based on the frequency of expression of their cardiotonic effect in the nominated books. Rankings 3 and above are listed in Table 1.

Table 1.

Medicinal Plants Described as Cardiotonic Based on Iranian Traditional Medicine

Traditional NameScientific NameCommon NameFamilyAdministrationPart UsedReference
OodAquilaria malaccensis Lam.EaglewoodThymelaeaceaeOral/ InhalationWood(11, 13-15)
TabashirBambusa bambos (L.) Voss (Syn: Bambusa arundinacea Willd.)Giant thorny bambooPoaceaeOralStem(11, 15, 16)
BahmanCentaurea behen L.White BehenAsteraceaeOralRoot(11, 14, 15)
OtrojCitrus medica L.CitronRutaceaeOral/ InhalationFruit(13, 15, 16)
DaronajDoronicum pardalianches L./ Doronicum columnae Ten.Great leopard’s bane; Eastern leopard’s baneAsteraceaeOralRoot(11, 14, 15)
GhaghelehElettaria cardamomum (L.) MatonGreen cardamomZingiberaceaeOralFruit(13, 15, 16)
RasanInula helenium L.ElecampaneAsteraceaeOralRoot(11, 13, 15)
Toffah/ SibMalus domestica Borkh.AppleRosaceaeOral/ InhalationFruit(11, 13-16)
BadranjboyeMelissa officinalis L.Lemon balmLamiaceaeOralLeaf(13-15)
As/ MordMyrtus communis L.MyrtleMyrtaceaeOral/ InhalationLeaf, fruit(11-13, 15, 16)
BaderojOcimum basilicum L.BasilLamiaceaeOralLeaf(11, 14-16)
AmlajPhyllanthus emblica L.Amla/ Indian gooseberryPhyllanthaceaeOralFruit(11, 13, 15)
KamsariPyrus communis L.Common pearRosaceaeOralFruit(13, 15, 16)
NasrinRosa canina L.Dog roseRosaceaeOral/ InhalationFlower(13, 15, 16)
khelafSalix aegyptiaca Fors.Persian willowSalicaceaeOralLeaf(13-15)
SatakhisStachys germanica L.German hedgenettleLamiaceaeOralLeaf(13, 15, 16)

The cardioprotective effects of selected medicinal plants described as cardiotonic from Persian medicine/ITM retrieved from electronic databases are summarized in Table 2.

Table 2.

Cardioprotective Effects of Selected Medicinal Plants Described as Cardiotonic from Iranian Traditional Medicine

Scientific NamePartPreparationMethodDosage/ DurationResultsReference
Cardioprotection
Elettaria cardamomum (L.) MatonFruitAqueous extractDoxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats, 2.5 mg/kg, i.p., every other day for two weeks200 mg/kg, p.o., 3 weeks↓ Cardiotoxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, LDH, CK, cTnT, MDA, NF-κB, caspase 3; ↑ angiogenesis, VEGF, SOD, CAT, GPx(20)
Elettaria cardamomum (L.) MatonFruitAqueous extractIsoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o., 30 days↑ HR, SAP, DAP, MAP; ↑ GSH, SOD, CAT, GSH-Px; ↓ MDA; Protection from myocardial injury: ↓ Myonecrosis, edema, inflammation(21)
Citrus medica L.FruitEthanol extractIsoproterenol-induced cardiomyopathy in rats250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o., 15 days↓ LDH, CK, AST, ALT, LDL, TC, TG, VLDL, MDA, HR; ↑ HDL; 500 mg/kg: No inflammation, ↓ muscle fiber damage(22)
Malus domestica L.FruitVinegarHigh-fat diet-induced obese rats3.5, 7, 14 ml/kg, p.o., 18 weeks↓ Body weight, visceral adipose tissue, TG, LDL, TC, CK-MB, LDH, CRP, fibrinogen, leptin, TNF-α, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis(23)
Melissa officinalis L.Aerial partsHydro alcohol extractThe effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells under oxidative stress induced by H2O225 - 500 μg/mLAntioxidant, cytoprotective effects(24)
Melissa officinalis L.LeafEthanol extractExperimental autoimmune myocarditis in rats50, 100, or 200, p.o., mg/kg, 3 weeksImproved echocardiographic parameters and cardiac function; ↓ inflammatory infiltrate, collagen content in the; heart tissues; ↓ prooxidants production; ↑ GSH, SOD, CAT(25)
Melissa officinalis L.LeafEthanol extractMyocardial I/R injury in rats50, 100, or 200, p.o., mg/kg, 1 week↓ Prooxidants, fibrosis; 200 mg/kg: ↑ Coronary flow, SOD, CAT; ↑ myocardial contractile function(26)
Melissa officinalis L.Aerial partsAqueous extract-50, 100, or 200, p.o., mg/kg, 1 weekSignificant ECG alterations(27)
Melissa officinalis L.LeafEthanol extractCaCl2-induced arrhythmias in rats, 140 mg/kg, i.v.100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o., 2 weeks↓ HR, VPB, VT, VF(28)
Melissa officinalis L.Aerial partAqueous extractVentricular arrhythmias following ischemia-reperfusion in rats50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p.Mild protective effect against ventricular arrhythmias(29)
Melissa officinalis L.LeafAqueous extractIsolated hearts of rats0.077, 0.77, 7.7, 77 mg/mLNo changes in contractile force; ↓ cardiac rate(30)
Melissa officinalis L.Aerial partEthanol extractDoxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats, 15 mg/kg, i.p.250, 500 and 750 mg/kg, p.o., 10 days↓ Cardiac damage: ↓ AST, CK, CK-MB; ↓ inflammation: ↓ mRNA levels of NF-kB, COX-2, TNF-α, edema, MPO; ↓ oxidative stress: ↑ SOD, potent free radical scavenging activity; ↓ apoptosis: ↓ Bax, caspase-3(31)
Melissa officinalis L.LeafEthanol extractIschemia-induced arrhythmia in rats25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o., 2 weeksImprovement of I/R induced myocardial dysfunction; ↓ ventricular tachycardia, ventricular ectopic beats, MDA, LDH, CTnI; ↑ SOD; free radical scavenging activity(32)
Melissa officinalis L.Aerial partAqueous extractIsoproterenol induced myocardial injury in rats50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o., 1 week50, 100 mg/kg: ↓ MDA, LVSP; 200 mg/kg: ↑ Contractility, speed of left ventricular relaxation; All doses: ↓ HR, LVEDP(33)
Melissa officinalis L.LeafInfusion 5%Methimazole induced hypothyroidism in ratsInstead of drinking water, 1 week↓ Post ischemic recovery of heart(34)
Melissa officinalis L.LeafCapsule: 500 mg of lyophilized aqueous extractA double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, adults with benign palpitations500 mg, BD, 2 weeks↓ Palpitation(35)
Melissa officinalis L.LeafCapsule: 350 mg of hydro alcohol extractA double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes350 mg, BD, 12 weeks↓ FBS, HbA1c, β-cell activity, TG, hs-CRP, SBP; ↑ HDL-c; no significant change: Total cholesterol, LDL-c, insulin, and HOMA-IR(36)
Melissa officinalis L.LeafCapsule: 500 mg of extractA randomized double-blinded controlled clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes500 mg, BD, 3 monthsNo significant metabolic changes compared to the control group(37)
Melissa officinalis L.Leaf; stemEssential oilA double-blinded controlled clinical trial in patients with acute coronary syndrome in the emergency department.Inhalation 2 drops in two aromatherapy phases for 10 min with 90-min intervals↓ Stress, HR, MAP(38)
Ocimumbasilicum L.LeafEthanol extractIsoproterenol induced myocardial infarction in rats10, 20 and 40 mg/kg, BD, p.o., 2 days↓ MDA, myocardial necrosis and fibrosis; ↑ LVSP; inhibition of the elevation of ST-segment; improvement of myocardial contractility(39)
Ocimumbasilicum L.LeafAqueous extractReno vascular hypertensive rats100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o., 4 weeks↓ SBP, DBP, cardiac hypertrophy(40)
Phyllanthus emblica L.FruitEthanol extractIn vitro assay for evaluating extract on doxorubicin toxicity1, 10 and 100 μg/mLThe protective effect on cardiotoxicity at concentration of 100 μg/mL; antioxidant activity(41)
Phyllanthus emblica L.- aIsolated compound (Corilagin) and its analog Dgg16Anti-atherogenic effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells0.0001 - 1 mmol/L↓ MDA; inhibition of ox-LDL-induced VSMC proliferation(42)
Phyllanthus emblica L.FruitEthanol extractRats fed with high fat diet100 mg/kg, p.o., 3 weeks↓ HR, sympathetic function, LDL; ↑ parasympathetic function(43)
Phyllanthus emblica L.- aIsolated sesquiterpen glycoside; (phyllaemblicin B)Coxsackie virus B3 induced apoptosis and myocarditis in mice4, 8 and 12 mg/kg, i.v., 1 week↓ LDH, CK; ↓ myocardium damage: ↓ Necrosis, inflammatory infiltrates; ↓ apoptosis: ↓ caspase-3, ↑ Bcl-2(44)
Phyllanthus emblica L.FruitEmblicanin-A and B enriched fractionI/R-induced cardiotoxicity in rat100 and 200 mg/kg, BD, p.o., 2 weeks↑ Cardiac SOD, CAT, GSH-Px; ↓LPO(45)
Phyllanthus emblica L.- aAqueous extractI/R-induced cardiotoxicity in rat100 mg/kg, p.o., 30 daysUpregulation of PI3K/Akt/GSK3b/b-catenin; ↑ Bcl-2, eNOS phosphorylation(46)
Phyllanthus emblica L.FruitFresh fruit homogenateI/R-induced cardiotoxicity in rat250, 500 and 750 mg/kg, p.o., 30 days↑Cardiac SOD, CAT, GSH-Px; ↓LPO; myocardial adaptation(47)
Phyllanthus emblica L.FruitJuiceSTZ-induced diabetic myocardial dysfunction in rat1 ml/kg, p.o., 8 weeks↓ VLDL, LDL, TG, glucose, LDH, CK-MB, BP; ↑ HDL, HR, force of contraction; antioxidant activity: ↑ SOD, CAT, GSH, ↓ MDA; restoration of hemodynamic parameters; ↓ LV collagen and protein content: ↓ cardiac stiffness and fibrosis(48)
Phyllanthus emblica L.- aPowderHigh cholesterol diet induced atherosclerosis in rat100 mg/kg, p.o., 30 days↓ VLDL, LDL, LDH, AST, ALT; ↑ HDL; antioxidant activity: ↓ Oxidative stress, ↑ SOD, CAT, GPx(49)
Phyllanthus emblica L.FruitEthanol extractRat fed with high fat diet100 and 200 mg/kg, 3 weeks↓ MDA; cardiac protection(50)
Phyllanthus emblica L.FruitPowder (2.5% of powdered chow food)2K1C ratsRats fed with food supplemented amla powder, 4 weeks↓ MDA, NO, APOP; ↑ antioxidant activity; ↓ inflammation, fibrosis(51)
Phyllanthus emblica L.FruitHydro alcohol extractIsoproterenol-induced; cardiotoxicity in rats100, 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o., 30 days250, 500 mg/kg: ↑ SAP, DAP, MAP, HR, SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH; 250, 500 mg/kg: Myocardial protection: ↓ Inflammation, myonecrosis; ↓ LVEDP, LPO; restoration of hemodynamic parameters and cardiac function(52)
Phyllanthus emblica L.- aCapsule 250, 500 mgA randomized, double-blind, controlled study, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus1 and 2 capsule, BD, 12 weeks↓ RI, MDA, CRP, LDL, TG, TC, HbA1c; ↑GSH, HDL; improvement of endothelial function(53)
Rosa canina L.FlowerAromatic waterIschemia-reperfusion injuries in the isolated rat heart0.416%, 1.25%, 2.5% and 4.16%Negative chronotropic effect; Positive inotropic effect; ↑ LVDP, contractile force(54)
Rosa canina L.FruitMethanol extractHeat shock-induced cardiomyocyte injury in rats250, 500 and 1000 mg/mL, p.o., 2 weeks500 and 1000 mg/mL: ↓ ROS, cleaved caspase 8, cardiac injury; 500 and 1000 mg/mL: ↑ Pro-caspase 8; inhibition of PERK/eIF2α/CHOP signaling(55)
Rosa canina L.FruitJuiceA randomized, double-blind, cross-over clinical study, obese and non-diabetic patients40 g, 6 weeks↓ SBP, TC, LDL, LDL/HDL(56)

4. Discussion

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally (57). Diabetes, especially type 2, increases CVD risk (1). Insulin resistance leads to hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Hyperglycemia causes inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and hypertension (58, 59). Besides, insulin resistance decreases cardiomyocytes’ metabolic flexibility, resulting in lipid accumulation and lipotoxicity in the heart (58). On the other hand, endothelial dysfunction and dyslipidemia contributing to atherosclerosis. Normalizing oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia prevent cardiac dysfunction caused by diabetes (60).

In this study, we reviewed cardiotonic medicinal plants from ITM and their cardioprotective benefits. According to the results, 16 medicinal plants were the most commonly mentioned cardiotonics in prominent ITM books (Table 1). Amla, basil, lemon balm, and dog rose are cardiotonic among these plants. They enhanced heart contractility. Several pharmacological studies have demonstrated lemon balm and amla’s cardioprotective effects, which are related to flavonoids and phenolic compounds, including emblicanin-A and B, ellagic acid, caffeic acid, and gallic acid (45, 61-63).

Seven plants in Table 2 exhibit cardioprotective properties. Reactive oxygen species and oxidant/antioxidant imbalance contribute to CVD. All these plants scavenge free radicals and boost antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, CAT, and GSH. Also, amla, citron, and dog rose are rich in vitamin C, an exogenous antioxidant (47, 64-66). These plants with anti-inflammatory properties improve CVD (62, 63, 67-72). Cardiac damage raises LVEDP. Lemon balm and amla minimized this impact (33). Also, amla, basil, and apple decreased heart hypertrophy, which is evident in cardiac dysfunction. Hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension are CVD risk factors. Based on several studies, the plants in Table 2 improve these risk factors (62, 63, 67-72).

Diet is vital for cardiovascular health (3). Diet adjustment is one of the most straightforward strategies to lower heart disease risk factors (3). Some studies link vegetable and fruit consumption with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (73). Medicinal herbs, especially amla, apple, and citron, are widely used worldwide, proving their safety; they can be incorporated into cardiovascular patients’ diets.

Iranian traditional medicine recommends aromatherapy (74). Smelling apple, citron, dog rose, myrtle, and eaglewood were advised for heart health. In line with ITM, several studies have shown the health benefits of aromatherapy (75).

Other medicinal plants listed in Table 1, Persian willow, myrtle, elecampane, common pear, and eaglewood, have flavonoids and antioxidant activity, which may protect the heart from cardiac damage (76-81).

4.1. Conclusions

In conclusion, several pharmacological studies have proven cardioprotective and cardiotonic benefits of ITM-based medicinal plants. Melissa officinalis, P. emblica, R. canina, and O. basilicum are cardiotonic. Further pharmacological and clinical studies must investigate other plants’ cardiotonic potential.

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