Cardioprotective Effects of Vitex negundo : A Review of Bioactive Extracts and Compounds.

There has been accumulating interest in the application of medicinal plants as alternative medicine to treat various diseases and/or to develop modern medicines. is one of such medicinal plants that has been of interest to many researchers and has been of use in traditional medicine is found in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Malaysia, India, China, The Philippines and East Africa. Therapeutic properties of have previously been reviewed. Different parts, preparations and bioactive components of possess potential protective and therapeutic effects against cardiovascular disease and related conditions as demonstrated in previous studies. We review the present state of scientific knowledge on the potential use of and some of its bioactive components in protecting against cardiovascular diseases and related pathologies. Previous studies in animal and non-animal experimental models, although limited in number and vary in design, seem to support the cardioprotective effect of and some of its active components. However, there is need for further preclinical and clinical studies to validate the use of and its active constituents in protection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, since only a few compounds have been evaluated, specific cardioprotective effects or mechanisms and possible side effects of other compounds need to be extensively evaluated.