Recent Advances in Activation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase by Natural Products: An Effects and Mechanisms Review

ABSTRACT

Cardiovascular disease is one of the most dangerous diseases worldwide. Epidemiological and clinical studies have shown that natural products as daily dietary components can improve vascular function by increasing endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity. This review covers natural products known to have positive effects on endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity in vitro and in vivo. The common signaling pathways of endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation were summarized. In addition, the therapeutic effects of natural products for cardiovascular disease and its related diseases were reviewed in the past ten years, providing valuable clues in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

KEYWORDS:

• Cardiovascular disease
• endothelial nitric oxide synthase
• natural products
• signaling pathways
• animal models

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Open Project Program of State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tianjin University of Science and Technology (NO. SKLFNS-KF-201820).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Open Project Program of State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tianjin University of Science and Technology (NO. SKLFNS-KF-201820) .