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Natural Compounds, Vitamins, and Polyphenols in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Protection
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Natural Compounds, Vitamins, and Polyphenols in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Protection

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Bioactives and Nutraceuticals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 February 2025) | Viewed by 14309

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Dragan M. Djuric

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Medical Physiology “Richard Burian”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Str. Visegradska 26/2, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: cardiovascular research; cardioprotection; experimental cardiometabolic models; endothelial dysfunction; experimental vascular models; gasotransmitters and oxidative stress; homocysteine and related vitamins; nutraceuticals and cardiovascular health; risk factors and cardiovascular health; vascular reactivity and mediators of inflammation; micronutrient deficiencies; atherosclerosis; environmental factors in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Natural compounds, vitamins, and polyphenols play significant roles in providing cardiovascular and metabolic protection and have a significant role in modern therapeutic approaches as well as in traditional medicine. These compounds have a wide range of biological activities with structural diversity compared to synthetic compounds and possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are key factors in the development of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders such as atherosclerosis and diabetes. Vitamins like C, D, E, K, and B group vitamins, along with polyphenols such as flavonoids and resveratrol, catechins, quercetin, curcumin, etc., have been shown to promote heart health, regulate blood pressure, improve lipid profiles, reduce LDL cholesterol oxidation, promote HDL cholesterol production, provide endothelial and anti-thrombotic protection, reduce platelet aggregation, inhibit arterial calcification, reduce inflammation in adipose tissue, and enhance insulin sensitivity. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, grapes, tea, red wine, berries, peanuts, onions, apples, spices, and other plant-based foods into the diet can provide a rich source of these natural compounds, contributing to overall cardiovascular and metabolic well-being.

This Special Issue aims to publish high-quality research, and possible topics cover many aspects of research concerning natural compounds, vitamins, and polyphenols and their potential roles in providing cardiovascular and metabolic protection.

Prof. Dr. Dragan M. Djuric
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • cardiovascular protection
  • metabolic protection
  • natural compounds
  • polyphenols
  • vitamins

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3208 KiB  
Article
Vasculo-Protective Effects of Standardized Black Chokeberry Extracts in Mice Aorta
by Valentina Buda, Adrian Sturza, Daliana Minda, Zorița Diaconeasa, Cristian Iuhas, Bianca Bădescu, Cristina-Adriana Dehelean, Corina Danciu, Mirela-Danina Muntean, Rodica Lighezan and Maria-Daniela Dănilă
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(24), 13520; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252413520 - 17 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 706
Abstract
Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa <Michx.> Elliot) represents a rich source of dietary polyphenols and other bioactive phytochemicals with pleiotropic beneficial cardiovascular effects. The present study was aimed at evaluating the ex vivo effects of two black chokeberry extracts (BChEs), obtained from either [...] Read more.
Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa <Michx.> Elliot) represents a rich source of dietary polyphenols and other bioactive phytochemicals with pleiotropic beneficial cardiovascular effects. The present study was aimed at evaluating the ex vivo effects of two black chokeberry extracts (BChEs), obtained from either dry (DryAr) or frozen (FrozAr) berries, on oxidative stress and vascular function in mice aortic rings after incubation with angiotensin 2 (Ang 2), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and glucose (GLUC) in order to mimic renin–angiotensin system activation, inflammation and hyperglycemia. The identification of phenolic compounds was performed by means of liquid chromatography with a diode array detector coupled with mass spectrometry using the electrospray ionization interface. The BChE obtained from the FrozAr was rich in cyanidin glucoside, rutin and caffeic acid, while the one obtained from the dried berries was rich in rutin, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid. Mice aortas were dissected and acutely incubated (12 h) with Ang2 (100 nM), LPS (1 µg/mL) or GLUC (400 mg/dL) in the presence vs. absence of the two BChEs (1, 10, 50, 75, 100, 500 µg/mL). Subsequently, the tissues were used for the assessment of (i) hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide production (using two methods, spectrophotometry and immunofluorescence), (ii) H2O2 scavenger effect and (iii) vascular reactivity (using the organ bath/myograph system). After exposure to Ang2, LPS or GLUC, both types of extracts decreased the H2O2 and superoxide levels in a concentration-dependent manner starting from either 50 µg/mL or 100 µg/mL. Also, in the highest concentrations (100 µg/mL, 150 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL), both extracts elicited a significant scavenger effect on H2O2 (similar to catalase, the classic H2O2 scavenger). Moreover, at 100 µg/mL, both extracts were able to significantly improve vascular relaxation in all stimulated aortic rings. In conclusion, in mice aortas, black chokeberry extracts in acute application elicited a concentration-dependent vasculo-protective effect through the reduction of oxidative stress and the alleviation of endothelial dysfunction in ex vivo conditions that mimic cardio-metabolic diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds, Vitamins, and Polyphenols in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Protection)
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18 pages, 16210 KiB  
Article
Hypotensive and Cardioprotective Potential of Yellow Bedstraw Extract-Based Oral Liquid in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
by Jovana Bradic, Anica Petrovic, Aleksandar Kocovic, Slobodanka Mitrovic, Vladimir Jakovljevic, Nevena Lazarevic, Sergey Bolevich and Igor Simanic
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(15), 8346; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25158346 - 30 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1087
Abstract
This study aimed to prepare, characterize and assess the antioxidant activity of yellow bedstraw extracts (YBEs), focusing on identifying extracts with high antioxidant capacity. The selected extract was loaded into an oral liquid formulation and further investigated for its therapeutic potential in reducing [...] Read more.
This study aimed to prepare, characterize and assess the antioxidant activity of yellow bedstraw extracts (YBEs), focusing on identifying extracts with high antioxidant capacity. The selected extract was loaded into an oral liquid formulation and further investigated for its therapeutic potential in reducing blood pressure and associated complications in spontaneously hypertensive Wistar kyoto rats (SHR). Rats were divided into untreated SHR and SHR treated with a YBE-based oral formulation over four weeks. After treatment, blood pressure was measured, and cardiac function was assessed using the Langendorff technique to simulate ex vivo ischemic conditions. Prooxidant levels were assessed in plasma while antioxidant activity was evaluated in red blood cells. Histological analyses of heart, kidney, and liver samples were conducted to assess pathological changes induced by hypertension. Our results showed that the oral formulation loaded with ethanol YBE effectively reduced blood pressure, preserved myocardial function under ischemic stress, and decreased oxidative stress markers in blood. Importantly, our formulation with YBE demonstrated potential in attenuating structural kidney damage associated with hypertension. Overall, these findings suggest a cardioprotective effect of orally administered YBE formulation, highlighting its potential as an herbal supplement. However, clinical studies are warranted to validate these findings and explore the extract’s suitability for clinical use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds, Vitamins, and Polyphenols in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Protection)
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Review

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32 pages, 5972 KiB  
Review
The Pivotal Role of Thiamine Supplementation in Counteracting Cardiometabolic Dysfunctions Associated with Thiamine Deficiency
by Giovanna Ritorto, Sara Ussia, Rocco Mollace, Maria Serra, Annamaria Tavernese, Ernesto Palma, Carolina Muscoli, Vincenzo Mollace and Roberta Macrì
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(7), 3090; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26073090 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 871
Abstract
The isolation, structural elucidation, and synthesis of pure thiamin were achieved in 1936, marking a milestone in vitamin research. As an organic compound soluble in water, thiamin is essential for carbohydrate metabolism in plants and animals, and in its active form—as part of [...] Read more.
The isolation, structural elucidation, and synthesis of pure thiamin were achieved in 1936, marking a milestone in vitamin research. As an organic compound soluble in water, thiamin is essential for carbohydrate metabolism in plants and animals, and in its active form—as part of the thiamin pyrophosphate coenzyme—performs these functions. Thereby, thiamin represents an essential vitamin to human health and is involved in several pathways that regulate several pathophysiological mechanisms. Cardiovascular disease is significantly impacted by thiamine imbalance and its supplementation offers substantial improvements to the associated conditions. In this comprehensive review, we aimed to examine the dual role of thiamine deficiency and accumulation, focusing on an analysis of the causes of thiamine deficiency. We detailed the effects of thiamine deficiency on metabolism and on cardiovascular risk and heart failure, explaining the molecular mechanisms involved in metabolic dysfunction, and highlighting the role of B1 vitamin supplementation in diabetes mellitus management and atherosclerosis development and progression. Indeed, B1 supplementation counteracts oxidative stress and inflammation, significantly ameliorating glycemic and lipemic profiles. Additionally, we reported the beneficial effects of thiamine in counteracting cardiotoxicity induced by cancer therapy. Although preclinical data strongly support the benefits of thiamine, clinical trial findings are in contrast and contradictory, hampered by limitations such as small sample sizes and inadequate follow-up. Further research is needed to investigate thiamine’s potential benefits, overcoming current study limitations and evaluating its use as a supplemental therapy alongside standard treatments in different high-cardiovascular-risk conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds, Vitamins, and Polyphenols in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Protection)
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43 pages, 4236 KiB  
Review
Plant Polyphenols as Heart’s Best Friends: From Health Properties, to Cellular Effects, to Molecular Mechanisms of Action
by Sanja Stankovic, Slavica Mutavdzin Krneta, Dragan Djuric, Verica Milosevic and Dragan Milenkovic
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 915; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26030915 - 22 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2166
Abstract
Polyphenols are micronutrients found in fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, cocoa, medicinal herbs, fish, crustaceans, and algae. They can also be synthesized using recombinant microorganisms. Interest in plant-derived natural compounds has grown due to their potential therapeutic effects with minimal side effects. This is [...] Read more.
Polyphenols are micronutrients found in fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, cocoa, medicinal herbs, fish, crustaceans, and algae. They can also be synthesized using recombinant microorganisms. Interest in plant-derived natural compounds has grown due to their potential therapeutic effects with minimal side effects. This is particularly important as the aging population faces increasing rates of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders. Studies have highlighted polyphenols’ capacity to reduce risk factors linked to the onset of chronic illnesses. This narrative review discusses polyphenol families and their metabolism, and the cardioprotective effects of polyphenols evidenced from in vitro studies, as well as from in vivo studies, on different animal models of cardiac disease. This study also explores the molecular mechanisms underlying these benefits. Current research suggests that polyphenols may protect against ischemia, hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and myocardial injury through complex mechanisms, including epigenetic and genomic modulation. However, further studies under nutritionally and physiologically relevant conditions, using untargeted multigenomic approaches, are needed to more comprehensively elucidate these mechanisms and firmly prove the cardioprotective effects of polyphenols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds, Vitamins, and Polyphenols in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Protection)
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22 pages, 5655 KiB  
Review
The Role of Retinoic-Acid-Related Orphan Receptor (RORs) in Cellular Homeostasis
by Darya Nematisouldaragh, Eryn Kirshenbaum, Michael Uzonna, Lorrie Kirshenbaum and Inna Rabinovich-Nikitin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11340; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111340 - 22 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1866
Abstract
Retinoic-acid-related orphan receptors (RORs) are transcription factors belonging to the nuclear receptor subfamily consisting of RORα, RORβ, and RORγ. By binding to the ROR response elements (ROREs) on target gene promoters, RORs regulate a wide variety of cellular processes, including autophagy, mitophagy, oxidative [...] Read more.
Retinoic-acid-related orphan receptors (RORs) are transcription factors belonging to the nuclear receptor subfamily consisting of RORα, RORβ, and RORγ. By binding to the ROR response elements (ROREs) on target gene promoters, RORs regulate a wide variety of cellular processes, including autophagy, mitophagy, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The regulatory roles of RORs are observed in cardiac cells, hepatocytes, pulmonary epithelial cells, renal cells, immune cells, and cancer cells. A growing body of clinical and experimental evidence suggests that ROR expression levels are markedly reduced under different pathological and stress conditions, suggesting that RORs may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of a variety of disease states, including myocardial infarction, immune disorders, cancer, and metabolic syndrome. Reductions in RORs are also associated with inhibition of autophagy, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increased cell death, underscoring the importance of RORs in the regulation of these processes. Herein, we highlight the relationship between RORs and homeostatic processes that influence cell viability. Understanding how these intricate processes are governed at the cellular level is of high scientific and clinical importance to develop new therapeutic strategies that modulate ROR expression and disease progression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds, Vitamins, and Polyphenols in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Protection)
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20 pages, 792 KiB  
Review
Diallyl Trisulfide and Cardiovascular Health: Evidence and Potential Molecular Mechanisms
by Jovana Novakovic, Maja Muric, Jovana Bradic, Galina Ramenskaya, Vladimir Jakovljevic and Nevena Jeremic
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(18), 9831; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25189831 - 11 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1392
Abstract
Traditionally, garlic has a valuable role in preventing and reducing the incidence of many diseases and pathophysiological disorders. Consequently, some researchers have focused on the beneficial cardiovascular properties of diallyl trisulfide (DATS), the most potent polysulfide isolated from garlic. Therefore, in this review, [...] Read more.
Traditionally, garlic has a valuable role in preventing and reducing the incidence of many diseases and pathophysiological disorders. Consequently, some researchers have focused on the beneficial cardiovascular properties of diallyl trisulfide (DATS), the most potent polysulfide isolated from garlic. Therefore, in this review, we collected the available data on DATS, its biochemical synthesis, metabolism and pharmacokinetics, and gathered the current knowledge and the role of DATS in cardiovascular diseases. Overall, this review summarizes the cardioprotective effects of DATS and brings together all previous findings on its protective molecular mechanisms, which are mainly based on the potent anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potential of this polysulfide. Our review is an important cornerstone for further basic and clinical research on DATS as a new therapeutic agent for the treatment of numerous heart diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds, Vitamins, and Polyphenols in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Protection)
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20 pages, 2634 KiB  
Review
The Efficacy of Vitamins in the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease
by Paramjit S. Tappia, Anureet K. Shah and Naranjan S. Dhalla
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(18), 9761; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25189761 - 10 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4390
Abstract
Vitamins are known to affect the regulation of several biochemical and metabolic pathways that influence cellular function. Adequate amounts of both hydrophilic and lipophilic vitamins are required for maintaining normal cardiac and vascular function, but their deficiencies can contribute to cardiovascular abnormalities. In [...] Read more.
Vitamins are known to affect the regulation of several biochemical and metabolic pathways that influence cellular function. Adequate amounts of both hydrophilic and lipophilic vitamins are required for maintaining normal cardiac and vascular function, but their deficiencies can contribute to cardiovascular abnormalities. In this regard, a deficiency in the lipophilic vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, and E, as well as in the hydrophilic vitamins, such as vitamin C and B, has been associated with suboptimal cardiovascular function, whereas additional intakes have been suggested to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Here, we have attempted to describe the association between low vitamin status and cardiovascular disease, and to offer a discussion on the efficacy of vitamins. While there are inconsistencies in the impact of a deficiency in vitamins on the development of cardiovascular disease and the benefits associated with supplementation, this review proposes that specific vitamins may contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular disease in individuals at risk rather than serve as an adjunct therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds, Vitamins, and Polyphenols in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Protection)
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