Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences
Open Access

Abstract

Therapeutic Potential of Selected Medicinal Plants and Vitamins with Anticoagulant, Antihypertensive, and Antidiabetic Properties for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health

Clement G Yedjou*, Jillian L Pope, Ngozi H Ugochukwu, Monica Ochapa and Paul B Tchounwou*

Background: Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and thrombotic disorders continue to pose significant global public health issues and rank among the primary causes of morbidity and mortality across the globe. These ailments are intricately linked to endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and irregular platelet aggregation, all of which lead to detrimental cardiovascular outcomes. As a result, there is a growing interest in the use of medicinal plants and dietary vitamins as adjunctive approaches to enhance cardiovascular and metabolic health. A variety of phytochemicals and micronutrients have shown anticoagulant, antihypertensive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects that may lower disease risk and improve clinical outcomes. Research objective: This review aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of seven selected medicinal plants and vitamins-garlic (Allium sativum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), green tea (Camellia sinensis), vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids-regarding their anticoagulant, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic properties, as well as their overall contributions to cardiovascular and metabolic health. Methods: A narrative review approach was utilized, analyzing peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and clinical guidelines sourced from electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The literature search concentrated on studies that explored the pharmacological activities, mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and safety profiles of the selected medicinal plants and vitamins. Results: The evidence reviewed indicates that these medicinal plants and vitamins exert their beneficial effects through various mechanisms, including the inhibition of platelet aggregation, enhancement of nitric oxide bioavailability, reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, improvement of endothelial function, modulation of lipid metabolism, and enhancement of insulin sensitivity. Clinical studies have shown that garlic and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly effective in lowering blood pressure and mitigating cardiovascular risk, while cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric exhibit promising effects in enhancing glycemic control and decreasing inflammatory biomarkers. Green tea and vitamin E primarily contribute through antioxidant and vascular protective mechanisms. Nevertheless, the evidence also suggests that these natural products should be viewed as complementary interventions rather than replacements for conventional medical treatments. Additionally, several of these agents may elevate the risk of bleeding when used alongside anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. Conclusion: Current scientific evidence indicates that the selected medicinal plants and vitamins have considerable therapeutic potential for enhancing cardiovascular and metabolic health via anticoagulant, antihypertensive, antioxidant, and antidiabetic mechanisms. Their incorporation into healthy dietary habits and evidence-based

Published Date: 2026-09-16; Received Date: 2026-08-17