Traditional Chinese Medicine-based Treatment in Cardiovascular Disease: Potential Mechanisms of Action

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and death worldwide and has become a global public health problem. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used in China to treat CVD and achieved promising results. Therefore, TCM has aroused significant interest among pharmacologists and medical practitioners. Previous research showed that TCM can regulate the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis (AS), ischemic heart disease, heart failure, myocardial injury, and myocardial fibrosis by inhibiting vascular endothelial injury, inflammation, oxidant stress, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and myocardial remodeling. It is well-known that TCM has the characteristics of multi-component, multi-pathway, and multitarget. Here, we systematically review the bioactive components, pharmacological effects, and clinical application of TCM in preventing and treating CVD.