Abstract

A REVIEW ON HERBS OF THE ZINGIBERACEAE FAMILY WITH BENEFICIAL EFFECTS ON CARDIOVASULAR DISEASES.

R. Nithya* and N. Jayshree

ABSTRACT

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death worldwide and is expected to be more prevalent as the population ages. Obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress are the major pathologies involved in CVDs. Though many synthetic drugs have been developed and are found to be very effective in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, herbs still continue to be the mainstay in orthodox medicine. Herbs in the Zingiberaceae family finds greater importance in the treatment of CVDs. Family Zingiberaceae consists of the large group of rhizomatous medicinal plants characterised by the presence of volatile oils, oleoresins and terpenoids. The important genera in the family Zingiberaceae - Alpini, Amomum, Curcuma, Hedychium, Kaempferia, Zingiber were evaluated for their beneficial effect on cardiovascular diseases. There are still several species which have not explored so far. This family is a treasure trove of plants with a rich potential for use in cardiac disorder.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease, Zingiberaceae, Alpini, Amomum, Curcuma, Hedychium, Kaempferia, Zingiber.