A Systematic Review of the Impact of Medicinal Plants on Cardiac Health Compared to Standard Pharmaceuticals Available in Bangladesh

Introduction: Medicinal plants have long been an essential part of healthcare in many cultures with a variety of bioactive chemicals that contribute to different pharmacological effects. Crude medicines, which are frequently utilized in their natural state to treat a variety of ailments, can be derived from these plants. The potential of medicinal plants in medication development and discovery has been acknowledged more and more by contemporary scientific research, especially when it comes to disorders for which there are few available treatments. Numerous chemicals originating from plants have been found to possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardioprotective qualities, making them potential candidates for use in pharmaceutical applications.

Aims: The aim of this study is to review and analyze the medicinal plants of Bangladesh that show potential benefits for cardiovascular health. It focuses on evaluating the therapeutic properties of these plants, comparing them with existing pharmaceutical treatments, and emphasizing the importance of further research to explore their effectiveness and possible integration into cardiovascular health management.

Methodology: A systematic review was conducted to identify medicinal plants in Bangladesh with cardiovascular benefits. We searched databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies published between [2006-2019]. The inclusion criteria were studies on plants used in Bangladesh that demonstrate cardiovascular effects, particularly anticoagulant or hypolipidemic properties. Pharmaceutical drugs in the Bangladesh market for similar purposes were also reviewed for comparison. Data were analyzed to highlight the pharmacological effects and potential advantages or drawbacks in comparison to available pharmaceuticals.

Conclusion: Twenty-one medicinal plants have been found to have positive effects on cardiovascular health. On the other hand, despite being effective in their intended pharmacological actions, traditional cardiovascular medications including lipid-lowering medicines and anticoagulants are frequently linked to a variety of adverse effects.