Hawthorne Berry
Hawthorne berry (Crataegus)
is a
cardio-protective herb. The
berries are high in flavonoids,
which makes it an effective
anti-oxidant. It improves energy
metabolism for muscles, including the heart muscle.
Hawthorne berry is also thought to
enhance the contractility (strength
of contraction) of the heart, and
may assist in lowering both
blood pressure and cholesterol.
Hawthorne is considered a
legitimate dietary supplement for
persons suffering from
angina pectoris, as it
improves oxygen delivery via
dilation of the coronary vessels.[5]
Garlic
Garlic (Allium
sativum) is
botanical that can be used to
reduce the risk of angina and
also the risk of reoccurrence.
Garlic does not treat acute
episodes of angina,
however , it has been shown to
positively influence high cholesterol.
Elevated cholesterol levels are a precipitating factor
for coronary artery disease and
angina. In study, garlic has been
shown to lower total
cholesterol, LDL, and
triglycerides by 15%. It also
produced an increase in
high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) by
nearly 10%.[6]
Garlic has also been shown to have blood
pressure lowering effects, which
can be helpful for individuals
with angina pectoris.[6]
In other studies, garlic extract
was equally effective at decreasing
atherosclerotic plaque formation.[7]
Khella
Khella, Ammi
visnaga,
is another botanical herb that has been used to treat
angina pectoris. Mediterranean
physicians have used khella
regularly within the past decade
to treat spasms of smooth muscle,
including cardiac tissue. Its
constituents are known to dilate
coronary arteries. The main
constituent, khellin, is effective
at relieving the symptoms of
angina and its effects are
compared to those of nitroglycerin.
It has also been shown to improve
exercise tolerance and normalize
electro cardio-gram (ECG or EKG)
results.
Commiphora mukul
Commiphora mukul,
myrrh tree, is a botanical
medicine that is effective at
decreasing total cholesterol, LDL,
and triglyceride blood serum
levels. It also raises HDLs,
or good cholesterol levels. Its
physiological actions are comparable
with conventional medications for
lowering blood lipid count.
Commiphora mukul may also combat
platelet aggregation and promote
the
breakdown of fibrin (a component
of arterial plaques).
Folic Acid,
Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12
Deficiencies in
folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin
B12 have been shown to cause an increase in homocysteine. Increased
homocysteine levels promote damage to
the lining of arteries, which may lead
to atherosclerosis. B-vitamin
compounds, like folic acid, B6,
and B12, are nutrients
that can be used to treat the
many underlying factors causing angina
pectoris. Repeated studies
have indicated that supplementation with folic
acid, B6 and B12
effectively reduces homocysteine levels.
Arginine
Arginine is a
nonessential amino acid synthesized by the body.
However, its supplementation is recommended
for individuals suffering from
angina pectoris. Arginine is
a biochemical precursor to nitric
oxide. Nitric oxide is the
precursor to the "endothelial derived
relaxing factor," which causes
vasodilatation of arteries. Nitric
oxide is also important for
regulation of blood pressure,
proper heart muscle function, and
regulation of the inflammatory
response by heart muscle.[8]
One study found
that supplementation with arginine
improved symptoms of angina
pectoris during attacks. Exercise capacity, as
tested by electro cardio-gram, was
also improved after
arginine supplementation for a
period of just three
days.[9]
Another clinical trial found that
supplementation with arginine over
longer durations (greater than 3
weeks), improved angina class, systolic
blood pressure, and quality of
life.[10]
Carnitine
Carnitine is an
important nutrient for energy
production inside the heart muscle
cell. It has been shown to
effectively transport fatty acids
into the mitochondria (energy
factories) of cells. A deficiency
of carnitine is associated with a buildup of
fatty acids outside of
mitochondria and an overall decrease in
energy production by the cell.
Carnitine also enables the heart muscle to
better utilize the available
oxygen, therefore being protective
by improving efficiency when there
is limited supply of oxygen. Carnitine is also
considered an effective anti-oxidant,
decreasing damage caused by
oxidative stress on the heart.
It also quenches reactive oxygen species,
which are known to be a factor for
the development of coronary artery
disease.
In one particular clinical
trial, carnitine supplementation
for three months resulted in an
increase in duration of exercise
and decrease in recovery time after an episode of
angina pectoris, when comparing ECG at baseline and the end of the
study.[10]
Another study found that carnitine
protected the heart cells from
hypoxia and oxidative damage.[11]
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is an
essential nutrient for energy
production inside the mitochondria
of heart cells. Because of the heart's continual pumping
action, it needs a
continuous production of energy.
Individuals with angina pectoris
and other heart disease need
increased levels of coenzyme Q10.
Studies have shown
that CoQ10 supplementation caused a 53%
decrease in frequency of angina
pectoris episodes in
patients with stable angina.[12] Exercise
tolerance on treadmill test was
also increased in another
comparative study concerning
patients supplementing with coenzyme Q10.
This study also concluded that
CoQ10 supplementation was safe, well
tolerated, and an effective
treatment for angina.[13]
|
Learn More About Angina Pectoris |
