From the Amazon to modern pharmacology: medicinal plants as metabolic and cardiovascular modulators in cardiodiabesity

This study presents a literature review on the therapeutic potential of five medicinal plants-Astrocaryum aculeatum (tucumã), Plectranthus barbatus (Brazilian boldo), Myrciaria dubia (camu-camu), Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate), and Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) - in the management of cardiodiabesity, a complex condition that interconnects type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. The methodology involved systematic searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science platforms, using descriptors related to medicinal plants, clinical conditions associated with cardiodiabesity, and their potential therapeutic effects. Cardiodiabesity represents a growing challenge for global public health, with alarming rates of morbidity and mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Since 1990, the global prevalence of diabetes in adults has more than doubled, accompanied by simultaneous increases in cases of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular mortality. Effective management of this syndrome requires a holistic approach, including lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, and complementary therapies. The review highlights the specific mechanisms of action of each plant: Astrocaryum aculeatum, rich in unsaturated fatty acids and phenolic compounds, demonstrates anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in preclinical studies; Plectranthus barbatus, containing forskolin as its main bioactive compound, presents vasodilatory and blood pressure modulating effects through adenylyl cyclase activation and ion channel modulation; Myrciaria dubia, with high content of vitamin C, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic potential; Ilex paraguariensis demonstrates beneficial effects on endothelial function, lipid metabolism, and blood pressure; and Passiflora incarnata presents anxiolytic, hypotensive, and antioxidant properties. Despite the promising potential of these medicinal plants, the study identifies significant gaps in current knowledge, primarily due to the scarcity of clinical trials in humans, variability in plant chemical composition, and a lack of standardized extracts. The manuscript concludes that, although preclinical studies suggest potential benefits of these plants in the context of cardiodiabesity, more well-designed clinical studies are needed to validate their efficacy and safety, establish appropriate dosages, and better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in their therapeutic effects.