Cardiovascular Effects of Berberine: A Review of the Literature
The objective of this review is to summarize the effects and possible mechanisms of action of berberine when applied to various aspects of the cardiovascular system.
Tag: cardiovascular
Night-Blooming Cactus (Selenicereus grandiflorus)
Indications Used for weak, irregular heart action, tachycardia, palpitations, aortic regurgitation, and angina. Mechanism of Action The amines in night-blooming cactus are credited with cardiotonic effects. The amino acid tyramine is found in the plant and credited with a positive ionotropic action.1 Selicereus can stimulate the heart and dilate peripheral…
An Integrative Approach to Hypertension: A Comprehensive Review of Antihypertensive Nutrients and Botanicals
We conducted a comprehensive review of the most current data available on the antihypertensive effects of 29 different nutraceuticals. All of the reviewed botanical and nutrient supplements, with the exception of French maritime pine bark extract and maitake (Grifola frondosa), have been demonstrated to effectively lower blood pressure in humans with good tolerability.
To Stent or Not To Stent: Focusing on the ISCHEMIA Trial to Redefine Treatment in Stable Ischemic Heart Disease
Ischemic heart disease is the number one cause of mortality in both genders. Despite substantial gains in reducing mortality from cardiovascular disease, its prevalence is on the rise. Although percutaneous coronary revascularization procedures revolutionized the approach to acute coronary artery disease (CAD), their role in stable, chronic disease is less defined. As many more patients live on with stable forms of CAD, it is imperative that practitioners understand current evidence for and against revascularization, and develop a holistic, integrative approach to CAD. We examine current knowledge guiding decision-making in chronic CAD, and expand upon potential use of integrative approaches to chronic CAD.
The Role of Vitamin K2 in Bone and Cardiovascular Health
Vitamin K is an essential nutrient present in plants, animals, and fermented products that plays an important role in a number of biological systems. Recent evidence suggests that vitamin K has potential health benefits far beyond its role in activating coagulation factors. It appears that vitamin K2 (menaquinones) play an important role in optimal bone and cardiovascular health.
Chelation Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease: Bringing it Back to the Future
Chelation therapy, a treatment long undervalued by conventional medicine, has been used by alternative medicine practitioners to alleviate various metabolic toxicities. In particular, there has been significant controversy around its use in patients with coronary artery disease. We performed a focused review of the recent National Institute of Health (NIH)…
Progesterone Within Ovulatory Menstrual Cycles Needed for Cardiovascular Protection: An Evidence-Based Hypothesis
Abstract Women experience acute myocardial infarctions (AMI) 10 years later than men – evidence that estrogen is protective is not consistent. Ovulatory disturbances (low progesterone but normal estradiol levels) silently occur in >33% of all cycles. Progesterone-based (cycle-timed serum or saliva) levels or urinary metabolite excretions are necessary to diagnose…
New Concepts in Cardiovascular Disease
Abstract We have reached a limit in our ability to reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease utilizing the traditional evaluation, prevention, and treatment strategies for the top five cardiovascular risk factors—hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity and smoking. Statistics show that approximately 50% of patients continue to…
The Use of Convallaria and Crataegus in the Treatment of Cardiac Dysfunction
Abstract Herbal medicines have been effectively used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases for many years. Herbs such as Convallaria (Lily of the Valley) root and Crataegus (Hawthorne) have shown significant benefits as adjunctive or stand alone therapies for the treatment of cardiac disorders such as arrhythmia, mitral valve prolapse…
Treating Adrenal Insufficiency and Hypotension with Glycyrrhiza
Abstract Glycyrrhiza may be appropriate as an adjunctive therapy for a variety of disorders involving mild adrenal insufficiency, low aldosterone output, or hyperkalemia due to effects on 11-β-HSD enzymes, direct effects at mineralocorticoid receptors, and downstream effects on aldosterone as well as fluid and electrolyte balance. Glycyrrhiza has also been…
Reversing Hypertension with Rauwolfia, Viscum and Piscidia
Abstract Rauwolfia, Viscum, and Psicidia are well known herbs used in the treatment of hypertension. These herbs contain several different bioactive constituents including alkaloids, lectins, rotenones, flavonoids and isoflavones, among others, which research indicates as being cardioprotective, promote vascular health and reduce blood pressure. As the mechanisms of action are…
Vitamin D and Major Chronic Illness
Abstract OBJECTIVE: To review the current literature regarding vitamin D insufficiency and supplementation in major illnesses. DESIGN AND METHODS: We reviewed Pubmed-indexed, English language manuscripts from January, 2003 to June, 2012 using search terms related to vitamin D, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. OUTCOME MEASURES:…