Background::The concomitant use of herbal remedies in conjunction with conventional
cardiac medications has increased significantly in recent years, primarily due to improvements in the
quality standards of herbal medicines and the pervasive belief that natural products pose no harm to
the human body. Contrary to this belief, multiple phytoconstituents found in herbal products have the
potential to interact with conventional cardiac drugs, potentially resulting in severe adverse effects.
Objective::This review aimed to elucidate the intricacies of these interactions highlighting herbal
medications that interact with established pharmaceuticals used for the treatment of cardiovascular
disorders. Moreover, the review draws attention to safety concerns and preventative steps that should
be taken by patients and medical professionals. This endeavor is vital to avert adverse events stemming
from such interactions.
Methods::Our approach entailed a comprehensive literature review employing keywords such as "mechanisms
of herb-drug interactions,” “herbal medications,” and “cardiovascular disorders”. The drugs presented
in this review were selected based on their popularity among the general population, frequency of
their employability, and potential to manifest drug interactions. We sourced pertinent information from
reputable databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Elsevier.
Results::Heart or blood vessel disorders are referred to as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which include
conditions such as heart failure, stroke, hypertensive heart disease, and peripheral arterial disease.
The primary underlying factor for the development of CVDs is dyslipidemia, which can be
treated with classical antihyperlipidemic drugs such as statins, ezetimibe, and PCSK9-inhibitors. The
use of herbal remedies is often unregulated, and there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting their
use, particularly in the management of heart failure. Patients may not disclose their use of herbal remedies
to health care practitioners, which can result in potential harm.
Conclusion::Uncontrolled dyslipidemia leads to hypercholesterolemia, which can result in atherosclerotic
plaques and blocked arteries and veins. Herbal remedies and botanical products are also used to
prevent or treat illnesses, and many prescription pharmaceuticals are made from plant compounds.
Herbal remedies are often preferred because of the belief that they are safe and have no potential to
cause harm. However, there is insufficient scientific data to support the use of herbal remedies, especially
when treating heart disease. Using herbal remedies in conjunction with medicinal pharmaceuticals
may result in unfavorable effects.