Flavonoid-rich dietary supplements' influence on heart failure

Abstract

Heart failure, a growing public health problem worldwide, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries. Despite a widely varying and diverse etiology and pathophysiology of heart failure, increased neurohormonal and autonomic nervous system activities and maladaptive cardiac remodeling play crucial roles in the progression of most forms of heart failure. Recent evidence suggests that increased oxidative stress, associated with excessive generation of highly reactive free radicals and an endogenous antioxidants deficit, plays an etiopathological role in the development of heart failure. There is a growing body of evidence to support the beneficial effects of flavonoid-rich dietary supplements on heart failure. These cardioprotective effects might be mediated through several different mechanisms including antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activities, neurohormonal modulation, immunomodulation, antiremodeling activity, and improving the associated coronary risk factors, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. However, further research needs to be undertaken to understand the exact underlying mechanisms, and to confirm the efficacy and safety of flavonoid-rich dietary supplements. © 2008 Humana Press Inc.