PLANTS USED IN COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE IN THE TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES IN TURKEY

In this study, plants that are used in complementary medicine applications in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in Turkey have been investigated. The study was carried out in two stages: literature study and fieldwork. As a result of the study, it was determined that 54 plant species belong to 29 families were used as folk medicine in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The family which has the most species is Rosaceae (%35). It is followed by Lamiaceae (%17), Scrophulariaceae (%14); Fabaceae and Liliaceae (%10); Berberidaceae, Cornaceae, Orchidaceae, Papaveraceae and Ranunculaceae (%7) and others (%3). The genera which have the most species are Crataegus (%7) and Digitalis (%5). Bioactive compounds found in most of these plants are; phenolic compounds, carotenoids, flavonoids, terpenes, plant organic acids, carotenoids, fatty acid esters, amino acids, furanocoumarins, phenols, anthocyanins, polyphenols and vitamin C. According to the results of the literature and fieldworks, these plants can be used against heart failure, arteriosclerosis, chronic vein diseases; heart strengthener, prevention of cardiovascular diseases, prevents heart palpitation, reduces heart rate and the risk of heart attack. And also vasecenstrieter, vasodilator and vasorelaxant effects were determined. In addition, these plant species have the following effects; antibacterial, anticancer, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, exhibits antiviral effects, antioxidant activity, free radicals, lipid peroxidation inhibition activity, antioxidant activity a/H3N2. As a result; In this study, the potential of the 54 plant species examined in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases should be examined with detailed researches.