Natural Herbal Medicine as a Treatment Strategy for Myocardial Infarction through the Regulation of Angiogenesis

Abstract

Aim of Study. Myocardial infarction is the number one cause of death worldwide. Existing treatment methods such as drugs and surgery cannot completely restore the structure and function of the ischemic heart. In recent years, therapeutic angiogenesis has received gradually increasing attention due to its fundamental therapeutic advantages of improving microcirculation and restoring blood supply in ischemic areas. This article mainly reviewed the mechanism and effect of angiogenesis-promoting herbs. Methods. We conducted a literature search on the bioactive components of medicinal plants and their effects on angiogenesis after MI. We searched for articles in Web of Science, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases before April 2021. Results. In this article, we summarized the mechanisms by which copper ions, microRNA, Akt1, inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondria, and pericytes are involved in angiogenesis after myocardial infarction. In addition, we reviewed the angiogenic effects of natural herbal medicines such as Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge Bunge, Carthamus tinctorius L., Pueraria lobata, Astragalus, Panax ginseng C.A. Mey., Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H. Chen, Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J. Presl, Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC., Leonurus japonicus Houtt, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi., and Geum macrophyllum Willd. Conclusions. Some herbs have the effect of promoting angiogenesis. In the future, natural proangiogenic drugs may become candidates for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.