Pharmacological effects and mechanisms of Gastrodia elata and its active ingredients in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Gastrodia elata, a traditional Chinese medicine belonging to the Orchidaceae family, contains several major components such as gastrodin, polysaccharides of Gastrodia elata, and parishin. The pharmacological studies conducted on Gastrodia elata have revealed a variety of therapeutic properties, including antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, analgesic, and sedative-hypnotic properties. Thus, in this paper, we summarized the pharmacological effects of Gastrodia elata's major components, namely gastrodin, polysaccharides of Gastrodia elata, parishin, and different types of Gastrodia elata extracts, on cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, hyperglycemia, myocardial ischemia, myocardial hypoxia, myocarditis, and heart failure. Additionally, we conclude the mechanisms through which these active ingredients exert their therapeutic effects, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and nitric oxide regulation. We provide insights into the therapeutic potential of Gastrodia elata with a detailed review of its pharmacological effects and molecular targets in cardiovascular disease protection and therapy, and can better understand the effect of traditional medicines in cardiovascular disease.