Current status of research on the role of natural products and their active ingredients in the treatment of cardiovascular aging: a narrative review

Zhang, Luying1; Pei, Hongyan1; Muhammad, Akmal2; Zhou, Xiuming3; Yang, Yang4; He, Zhongmei1; Du, Rui1,*

1College of Chinese Materia Medica, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China

2Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan

3Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Qianwei Hospital of Jilin Province, Changchun, Jilin Province, China

4The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China

*Correspondence to: Rui Du, MD, 007019@jlau.edu.cn.

Abstract

Aging is a multifaceted physiological process marked by alterations in human appearance and the progressive decline in organ function. With the intensification of global population aging, the health of older individuals has emerged as a critical concern, particularly given the significant impact of cardiovascular aging on overall health outcomes. Although aging is an inevitable natural process, strategies aimed at delaying its progression can enhance cardiovascular function. In recent years, natural products have garnered increasing attention for their potential in disease intervention, attributed to their high efficacy and relatively low side-effect profiles. These products have demonstrated anti-aging effects in several studies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms underlying cardiovascular aging and reviews the biological activities of various natural products and their active constituents in combating cardiovascular aging. It encompasses the latest findings and trends from both in vitro and in vivo studies, thereby offering a theoretical foundation for the development of novel, low side effect, and rapidly acting natural drugs that target cardiovascular aging. Natural products exert anti-cardiovascular aging effects through multiple mechanisms, including antioxidant activity, apoptosis inhibition, anti-thrombosis, anti-fibrosis, anti-atherosclerosis, and blood pressure regulation. For instance, water-soluble components of Salvia miltiorrhiza, such as tanshinone and salvianolic acid B, improve cardiovascular function by modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Ligustrazine in Rhizoma Chuanxiong reduces myocardial injury by activating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B signaling pathway, whereas Ginkgo biloba leaf extract enhances vascular function by regulating oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, animal-derived natural products, such as antler peptides and royal jelly, have demonstrated significant cardioprotective effects. However, current studies possess limitations, with insufficient evidence supporting the clinical application of many natural products. Their long-term effects and safety in humans require further validation. Despite these challenges, natural products hold significant potential in combating cardiovascular aging, particularly in improving cardiovascular health among the elderly. With continued research into the mechanisms of action of these natural products and the advancement of clinical trials, they are expected to become important tools for enhancing the quality of life in the elderly. Future research should further explore the clinical potential of these natural products to develop safer and more effective anti-cardiovascular aging drugs, thereby contributing positively to societal health.

天然产品及其活性成分治疗心血管衰老的作用及现状：叙述性综述

摘要

衰老是一个复杂的生理过程，表现为人体外观的变化和器官功能的衰退。随着全球人口老龄化趋势的加剧，老年人的健康问题日益受到关注，尤其是心血管系统的衰老对健康的影响尤为显著。尽管衰老是自然规律，但通过延缓衰老可以改善心血管功能。近年来，天然产物因其高效性和低副作用而逐渐被用于疾病干预，并在多项研究中显示出抗衰老效果。文章旨在简要介绍心血管衰老的相关机制，并综述不同类型天然产物及其活性成分对心血管衰老的生物活性，包括体内外研究的最新发现和趋势，为开发新型低副作用、快速起效的抗心血管衰老天然药物提供理论依据。天然产物通过多种机制发挥抗心血管衰老作用，包括抗氧化、抑制细胞凋亡、抗血栓、抗纤维化、抗动脉粥样硬化和降血压等。例如，丹参中的水溶性成分（如丹参素和 Salvianolic acid B）通过调节氧化应激和炎症反应改善心血管功能；川芎中的川芎嗪通过激活 PI3K/Akt 信号通路减轻心肌损伤；银杏叶提取物通过调节氧化应激和炎症反应改善血管功能。此外，动物源性天然产物如鹿茸肽和蜂王浆也显示出显著的心血管保护作用。然而，目前的研究仍存在局限性，许多天然产物的临床应用证据不足，且其在人体中的长期效果和安全性尚需进一步验证。天然产物在抗心血管衰老方面显示出显著潜力，尤其是在改善老年人心血管健康方面。随着对这些天然产物作用机制的深入研究和临床试验的推进，它们有望成为改善老年人生活质量的重要工具。未来的研究需要进一步探索这些天然产物的临床应用潜力，以开发出更安全、有效的抗心血管衰老药物，从而对社会的健康发展产生积极影响。