Natural compounds extracted from medicinal plants and their applications in cardiovascular and kidney diseases

Abstract

Natural compounds extracted from various medicinal plants have drawn a significant attention in the past few years for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Many natural compounds, such as alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, polyketides, terpenoids, etc., have been proven to possess good clinical potential, viz., antitumor, antimicrobial, antioxidant, immunosuppressant, antiprotozoal, and many others. The main focus of this book chapter is to explain the role of natural compounds in the treatment of cardiovascular and kidney diseases including acute renal failure and chronic kidney diseases. Data from the clinical studies in the past few years indicate that natural compounds from the medicinal plants have profound renal and cardioprotective potentials. Flavonoids present in citrus fruits, red wine, tea, cocoa, etc. exhibit anti-inflammatory activities, regulate blood pressure, and reduce oxidative stress. Olive oil rich in phenolic contents; omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseeds, soya beans, canola oil, and leafy vegetables; lycopene found in tomato, watermelon, and papaya; resveratrol in the skin and seeds of grapes; the bio-active ingredients of tea and coffee; and many other natural compounds like phytosterols, saponins, phenolic acids, phytic acid, isoflavones, etc. offer a safer application of them in the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases. Natural compounds extracted from medicinal plants can be used as therapeutic adjuncts due to their widespread availability, better tolerability, lesser side effects, and their irreplaceable role in the traditional medicine.