157 Annales Universitatis Paedagogicae Cracoviensis Studia Naturae, 6: 157–184, 2021, ISSN 2543-8832 DOI: 10.24917/25438832.6.10 Barbara Kubik1,2, Alina Stachurska-Swakoń3* 1Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Podchorążych 2 St., 30-084 Kraków, Poland 2CenterMed Hospital Św. Łazarza, Św. Łazarza 14 St., 31-530 Kraków, Poland 3Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3 St., 30-387 Kraków, Poland; *alina.stachurska-swakon@uj.edu.pl Plants supporting the treatment of cardiovascular diseases Introduction Cardiovascular diseases have always accompanied human, however nowadays they occur much more o�en due to an intense lifestyle, daily dose of stress, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, sedentary work combined with physical inactivity, environ- mental pollution, poor diet dominated by high-fat products and many other external factors. �at is why it is so important not to ignore the �rst symptoms of cardiovascular disorders, such as: palpitations, excessive fatigue or breathlessness. Symptoms of this type should stimulate specialist examinations and undertake appropriate treatment or prophylaxis (Beaglehole et al., 2001; Noskowicz-Bieroniowa, 2006; Górnicka, 2012; Wojtyniak et al., 2013; Senderski, 2016; Liperoti et al., 2017). Ignoring the �rst symptoms of abnormal heart function and vascular insu�ciency leads to a gradual intensi�cation of these ailments. It can be directly life-threatening in the later stages of the disease (Sroka, 1988; Palmieri et al., 2018). Despite the ongoing preventive measures, diseases from this group are recognised as the leading cause of death globally. In 2019, an estimated 17.9 million people died from cardiovascular diseases, which was responsible for 32% of all global deaths (www.who. int). �e number of deaths unfortunately is increasing across the years: in 2002, 16.7 million people died of this cause, including 6.9 million from coronary heart disease and 5.1 million from stroke (Matyjaszczyk et al., 2011). Statistics show that across Europe more women than men die from heart-related diseases. Cardiovascular diseases are classi�ed as civilisation diseases, which are currently one of the biggest health prob- lems in highly developed and developing countries. Among the civilisation diseases of the circulatory system, the most frequently mentioned are: hypertension, low blood pressure, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction (Maty- jaszczyk et al., 2011; Lewkowicz-Mosiej, 2017). For example, inadequately treated or B ar ba ra K ub ik , A lin a S ta ch ur sk a- S w ak oń 158 untreated high blood pressure can disrupt a variety of organs including the kidneys, brain, heart, and arteries, which can lead to haemorrhage, paralysis, and even death (Noskowicz-Bieroniowa, 2006; Górnicka, 2012). With atherosclerotic lesions, fatty and calcium deposits are deposited in the lumen of the blood vessels, which in turn results in narrowing, thickening or loss of elasticity of the vessels. �e consequence of this type of changes are anal varices (haemorrhoids), shins or purpura (Ożarowski, Jaroniewski, 1987; Noskowicz-Bieroniowa, 2006). �e causes of cardiovascular diseases can be di�erent, therefore many groups of medicines are used to treat them. �e treatment strategy is based on the use of medi- cines that lower blood pressure, regulate the heart rhythm or have an antiarrhythmic e�ect. In recent years, herbal preparations are being used more and more o�en because their side e�ects are usually less burdensome for the patient. At the same time, the use of plant-based medicines, especially those containing cardiac glycosides, cannot take place without medical supervision, because these raw materials are not indi�erent to human health and life (Capasso et al., 2000; Nowak, 2009; Kohlmünzer, 2010; Liperoti et al., 2017; Länger et al., 2018; Bejček et al., 2021). �e aim of this study was to analyse the composition of commercially available medications, herbal preparations and dietary supplements on the Polish market, and on this basis to create a systematic list of plants most o�en used in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Methods �e compositions of medicines and preparations of plant origin (dietary supplements, mixtures), available without a prescription in pharmacies and herbal stores in southern Poland were analysed in order to recognise plant taxa used. A total of 100 preparations, randomly chosen, were taken into consideration. Most of which were sold as capsules, infusing herbs and pills (Fig. 1; Tab. 1 – Appendix 1). In few cases, the medications were attainable in various forms. In overall, 61% of analysed medications have a solid form (capsules, dragée, �lm-coated tablets, pills, etc.). On this base, a list of species used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases was compiled. �e properties of plants were characterised in terms of this group of diseas- es, based on the available bibliography, including: Ożarowski and Jaroniewski (1987), Świejkowski (1990), Broda and Mowszowicz (2001), Jeziorski (2009), Kohlmünzer (2010), Błach-Olszewska et al. (2014), Senderski (2016), and others. When characterising plants, their systematic position, geographic range, type of plant substance (raw material), content of active compounds, therapeutic e�ect in the analysed group of diseases and available preparations (trade names) were taken into account. Sys- tematic position of taxa was assumed on the basis of Stevens (2001), authors of family P lants supporting the treatm ent of cardiovascular diseases 159 names were given according to Reveal (2007). Latin nomenclature of native plants followed Mirek et al. (2020), and alien plant species according to Podbielkowski and Sudnik-Wó- jcikowska (2003), or other available sources (e.g. POWO, 2021). Results �e compiled systematic list of plants used in analysed medicaments includes 65 taxa, two of which are given in the rank of genus – Rubus and Salix, and the rest in the rank of species. �e most common species used in the analysed group of preparations are seed plants (63 taxa) – the other two are: a species representing algae from the Phae- ophyta divisio (Fucus vesiculosus L.) and a species from the Tracheophyta, Equisetop- sida classes (Equisetum arvense L.). In the case of genera Allium, Cola, Crataegus and Panax, double species are given as their raw materials as they are o�en used together in a mixture (Tab. 2 – Appendix 1). �e taxa recorded in this group of herbal plants belong to 40 families. �e most spe- cies represent the Rosaceae, Asteraceae and Lamiaceae families. A large group consists of single species representatives of as many as 30 families (Fig. 2). Among the noticed taxa, 23 are native to Central Europe, while 20 are alien species for the European �ora, and their raw materials are imported from di�erent regions of the world (Fig. 3; Table 2 – Appendix 1). Fig. 1. �e forms of medications, dietary supplements and plant substances supporting the treatment of cardiovascular diseases available on the Polish market (blue columns represent solid form, orange are for liquid) B ar ba ra K ub ik , A lin a S ta ch ur sk a- S w ak oń 160 Fig. 2. Taxonomical representation of seed plant species used in the medications of the cardiovascular diseases Fig. 3. �e origin of raw plant materials from medications available in Polish markets used in cardiovas- cular diseases P lants supporting the treatm ent of cardiovascular diseases 161 Fig. 4. �e frequency of plant species used as ingredients of medicaments of cardiovascular diseases (found at least in �ve percentage of preparations) Some species are cultivated due to the better quality of the raw material – this applies to both native and alien plants. �e most common raw material used in preparations available on the market is the genus Crataegus and species such as: Aesculus hippocastanum or Ruscus aculeatus (Fig. 4). Most plants show vasoprotective activity (Lat. vasotonicum); its mechanism is to seal the walls of blood vessels, thus preventing them from breaking. �is group of species contains 23 taxa e.g. Aesculus hippocastanum, Arnica montana, Gingko biloba, Malpigia glabra (Tab. 3 – Appendix 1). In addition, a large group of plants lowers blood pressure (Lat. hypotonicum), (e.g. Achillea millefolium, Crataegus laevigata, Fucus vesiculosus, Kalmia latifolia), has a diastolic e�ect (Lat. spasmolyticum) (e.g. Ammi visnaga, Leonurus cardiaca, Ruta graveolens) and strengthens the heart (e.g. Adonis vernalis, Ophiopogon japonicus, Passi�ora incarnata). Discussion On the streets of many cities, herbal shops and bio-supermarkets specialising in the sale of herbs and other ecological products are more and more o�en found, proving a  great interest in natural methods of treatment. Some of the clients see them as an opportunity to improve their health or want to stop using synthetic medicines for oth- B ar ba ra K ub ik , A lin a S ta ch ur sk a- S w ak oń 162 er reasons. For patients struggling with numerous side e�ects of medicines obtained through a synthetic route, herbal therapy may be an alternative method of treatment (Brzeziński, 2014; Senderski, 2016; Liperoti et al., 2017; Easley, Horne, 2019). For me- dicinal purposes, plant raw materials are o�en obtained from wild specimens and then purchased by herbal or pharmaceutical companies. Trade preparations of this type of companies have become the basis for compiling the list of medicinal plant species most o�en used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. �e systematic list prepared for this study includes 65 taxa of herbal plants. �ese taxa belong to 40 families (Tab. 2 – Appendix 1). Most of the plants used in this group of diseases belong to native to Central Europe �oristic components (Fig. 3). Howev- er, there is also a large group of plants origin e.g. from the Mediterranean area; they are o�en cultivated for the needs of the pharmaceutical industry. �ese include, for example, toothpick-plant Ammi visnaga L., pot marigold Calendula o�cinalis L., mar- itime squill Urginea maritima Bak and others (Senderski, 2016). Some species alien to Central Europe with proven medicinal properties (e.g. Bayan et al., 2014; Romero et al., 2016; Marques et al., 2017) belong to plants cultivate for consumption, e.g. garlic Allium sativum L. or globe artichoke Cynara scolymus L., olive Olea europaea L. or are ornamental plants, e.g. ginkgo Gingko biloba L., witch-hazel Hamamelis virginiana L., horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum L. (e.g. Isah, 2015; Pizzorno et al., 2015; Zampieron, 2017; Abbas et al., 2020). �e plants whose herbal substrates are imported from distant regions of the world include: thorny bamboo Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Willd. (e.g. Rathod et al., 2011), Barbados cherry Malpighia glabra L. (e.g. Johnson, 2003), maypop Passi�ora incarnata Ker.-Gawl. (e.g. Krenn, 2002), night-blooming cereus cactus Selenicereus grandi�orus (L.) Brit. & Rose (Haque et al., 2015), Indian snakeroot Rauvol�a serpentina (L.) Benth. (e.g. Mittal et al., 2012), Ginseng Panax sp. (e.g. Pan et al., 2012) and others. �ese herbal substances are generally expensive due to indirect costs (transport, storage, etc.), therefore they are used much less frequently in the discussed group of preparations. However, their exoticism o�en makes them more attractive to the client who is looking for new products in supplements and drugs supporting synthetic therapies. Each herbal plant has a di�erent spectrum of activity. It is possible due to the various accumulation of active substances, such as: cardiac glycosides, �avonoids, alkaloids, anthocyanins and others (Kohlmünzer, 2010; Pizzorno et al., 2015; Fecowicz et al. 2020). Preparations with the content of cardiac glycosides, mainly digoxin, obtained from woolly foxglove Digitalis lanata Erth., are of signi�cant importance in severe, chronic diseases. Preparations with pheasant’s eye Adonis vernalis L., May bells Con- vallaria majalis L. and strophanthus Strophantus gratus L. are also of great importance (Sroka, 1988; Nowak, 2009). In addition to these plants with strong e�ects, herbs with mild antihypertensive properties are also helpful in treatment (de Souza et al., 2011; Al P lants supporting the treatm ent of cardiovascular diseases 163 Disi et al., 2016; Anwar et al., 2016), toning, sealing the vessels, and relaxing (Tab. 3) (Górnicka, 2012). In the Lamiaceae family, there are many plants containing essential oils, which are widely used not only in pharmacy or herbal medicine, but also in cos- metology and in the kitchen (Podbielkowski, Sudnik-Wójcikowska, 2003; Senderski, 2016; Kliszcz et al., 2021). Examples of this type of aromatic plant include rosemary Rosmarinus o�cinalis L. and Lemon balm Melissa o�cinalis L. �ey are also species that are used in supporting the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, not all species with known healing properties in cardiovascular diseases are currently used in medicine, because they are very strong, with high content of glycosides, dangerous to health (Broda, Mowszowicz, 2001; Noskowicz-Bieroniowa, 2006; Nowak, 2009). Some of them have been withdrawn from circulation due to their toxic e�ects and high accumulation properties in the organism, e.g. common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea L.), oleander (Nerium oleander L.) or white waterlily (Nymphaea alba L.), however, some medicaments are still available. Dioscorides has already written about the poisonous properties of oleandrin, an active substance isolated from common oleander. Its operation was also known during the times of Alexander the Great (Bohne, Dietze, 2008). In the history of herbal medicine, however, this plant is recorded not as highly toxic, but because of its therapeutic e�ects. �e group of plants most o�en used in the treatment and support of cardiovascu- lar therapies includes such taxa as: Crataegus sp., Aesculus hippocastanum, or Ruscus aculeatus (Fig. 4). Many studies describe their therapeutic e�ect in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. A. hippocastanum and R. aculeatus show primarily vasopro- tective properties, while Crataegus additionally strengthens and improves the work of the heart (Tab. 2). However, there is still extensive research into other bene�cial e�ects of these plants on the cardiovascular system (Shatoor, 2013; Wang et al., 2013). �is especially applies to species used in Asian medicine based on traditional herbal folk medicine (Xiong et al., 2013; Khan et al., 2016; Liu, Huang, 2016). �e mere use of synthetic or herbal medicines may be insu�cient in cardiac ther- apies, therefore it is important to change the diet, increase physical activity, and even change the environment or workplace (Sroka, 1988). Centuries of observations of taking various herbal remedies allow us to state that it is more e�ective and reliable to use many herbs in appropriately selected mixtures than individually (Senderski, 2016). �anks to this, they can support each other and complement each other’s action (Ożarowski, Jaroniewski, 1987; Matyjaszczyk et al., 2011; Górnicka, 2012). However, it is also important that in the case of serious diseases of the heart or the circulatory system, it should always take place under the strict supervision of a specialist doctor – cardiologist (Rogowska, Giermazaik, 2018). B ar ba ra K ub ik , A lin a S ta ch ur sk a- S w ak oń 164 Conclusions �e paper presents an analysis of the group of medicines and herbal substances com- monly available on the pharmaceutical market in Poland and used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Its aim was to create a systematic list of plants used in over- the-counter medicinal preparations. �e compiled systematic list includes 65 plant taxa. Among them, the most species belong to the families: Rosaceae (7), Asteraceae (6), Lamiaceae (4). �e most common raw materials used in over-the-counter prepa- rations are Crataegus sp., Aesculus hippocastanum and Ruscus aculeatus. Most plants show vasoprotective properties, lower blood pressure and diastolic. �e systematic list includes 23 species of plants native to Central Europe, while plant substances from 20 are imported from more or less distant areas of the world. Some of the analysed species, rich in cardiac glycosides, were withdrawn from sale due to their toxicity or strong accumulation of active substances. Dosing of medicines with the content of cardiac glycosides must be under the constant supervision of a doctor, because they can easily be overdosed. Con�ict of interest �e authors declare no con�ict of interest related to this article. References Abbas, T., Abbas, M., Jarad, A. (2020). Antibacterial activity and medical properties of Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana. Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, 23(S11), SP231146. https://doi. org/10.36295/ASRO.2020.231146 Al Disi, S.S., Anwar, M.A., Eid, A.H. (2016). Anti-hypertensive herbs and their mechanisms of action: part I. 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Internation- al Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 5(3), 00153. https://doi.org/10.15406/ij- cam.2017.05.00153 B ar ba ra K ub ik , A lin a S ta ch ur sk a- S w ak oń 168 Appendix 1 Tab. 1. �e herbal medicines sold in the polish market used in cardiovascular diseases Form of the herbal medicine Trade name of the herbal medicine capsules Alitol, Allio�l forte, Alliogal, Alliomax, Bilberin, Bilobil, Bodymax plus, Diosmina plus, Extraspasmina, Garlicin, Ginkgo caps, Ginkogins, Kap- sułki Aronia, Krążenie I Love Herbs, Liść Oliwny, Na ciśnienie kapsułki, Rosavit C, Ruscoven plus, Rutina C max, Sapoven T, Veno 33 complex, VenoCorector, Venox, Żeń-szeń vita complex, dragée Convafort, Venescin, drops Cardiol C krople, Heel cralonin krople, Kelicardina, Neocardina, Ne-ospasmina, Ribes nigrum – macerat glicerynowy, Venol, �lm-coated tablets Ginkofar, Ginselin, Proscillaridin, Sylicynar, Varixinal, Venosol Bon-ifraters, gel Aescin żel, Arnical żel, Esceven, Essaven gel, Latan żel, Neo-aesculan żel, Preparation H żel, Venescin, Venoczar żel, herbs to brew Barwinek pospolity (Vina minor), Bio hibiscus, Bratek �x, Cardiosan, Ciśnienie norma – herbatka ziołowa, Herba Asperulae, Herba Betonicae, Herbatka �x Żylaczek, Krwiściąg lekarski ziele, Nervosan �x, Neurosin Tea, Owoc jarzębiny herbatka ziołowa, Rektosan, Sklerosan, Viola – �x, Ziele krwiściągu, juice Aronia sok 100%, ointment Aesculan, Arcalen, Esceven, Maść nagietkowa, Ruscogenin, Ruscolan, Venescin, oral �uid Cravisol, Doppel Herz Vital, Intractum Hippocastani, Intractum Visci, Nervosol, Passispasmina, Rutisol, Venoforton pills Bratek, Colladen, Cynarex, Diostrin, Esceven, Głóg zioła w tabletkach, Hemorigen femina, Neospasmina, Rutinosal C, Serpina, Strophanthus Comp., Tabletki tonizujące, Tabletki z czosnku, suppositories Hemorol, Ruskorex, syrup Syrop malina z kwiatem bzu czarnego z wit. C, tincture Cardiactiv – nalewka, Cardio farm – nalewka, Cardiotonic – nalewka, Tinctura Adonidis vernalis, Tinctura Ammi visnagae, Tinctura Arnicae, Tinctura Ginkgo bilobae, Tinctura Sophorae japonicae tonic Plusz gold vital P lants supporting the treatm ent of cardiovascular diseases 169 Ta b. 2 . S ys te m at ic li st ; s ho rt c ha ra ct er is tic s o f h er bs u se d in su pp le m en ta tio n an d tr ea tm en t o f c ar di ov as cu la r d is ea se s Sp ec ie s G eo gr ap hi c ra ng e Pl an t m at er ia l A ct iv e co m po un ds E� ec t O cc ur re nc e in m ed ic in es or s up pl em en ts (P ol is h tr ad e na m es ) Fu ca ce ae A da ns on 1) F uc us ve sic ul os us L . N or th S ea a nd N or th A tla nt ic th al lu s or ga ni ca lly b ou nd io di ne , po ly sa cc ha ri de s (a lg in ic ac id , f uc oi di n, la m in ar in ), m an ni to l, fu co xa nt hi n, br om in e, B v ita m in s, m in er al s al ts in th e pr ev en tio n of hy pe rt en si on , d ila te s bl oo d ve ss el s, pr ev en ts at he ro sc le ro si s Sk le ro sa n Eq ui se ta ce ae M ic hx . e x D C . 2) E qu is et um ar ve ns e L. co sm op ol ita n he rb (E qu is et i he rb a) �a vo no id s ( e. g. is oq ue rc et in , ap ig en in ), si lic on co m po un ds , p he no lic a ci ds (e .g . c a� ei c ac id ), sa po ni ns , vi ta m in s, m in er al s, po ly en ic ac id s a nd p yr id in e de ri va tiv es in cr ea se s t he a m ou nt of e ry th ro cy te s a nd ha em og lo bi n in th e bl oo d, an ti- at he ro sc le ro tic , a nt i- ha em or rh ag ic C iś ni en ie n or m a – he rb at ka zi oł ow a, H er ba tk a �x Ży la cz ek G in kg oa ce ae E ng l. 3) G in kg o bi lo ba L. Ja pa n, C hi na ; cu lti va te d in A m er ic a an d Eu ro pe le af (G in kg on is fo liu m ) se sq ui te rp en es (b ilo ba lid ), di te rp en es (g in ko go lid es A , B , C , J , M ), �a vo no id s, st er ol s, fa tty a ci ds im pr ov es c ir cu la tio n in th e br ai n, m em or y an d co nc en tr at io n, ha s a nt ic oa gu la nt a nd va so pr ot ec tiv e pr op er tie s Bi lo bi l, G in kg o ca ps , G in ko fa r, G in ko gi ns , K rą że ni e I L ov e H er bs -c ap s, Ti nc tu ra G in kg o bi lo ba e, Ve no fo rt on , V en ol A lli ac ea e Bo rk h. 4) A lli um sa tiv um L, A .u rs in um L . C en tr al A si a; cu lti va te d bu lb (A lli i s at iv i bu lb us , A lli i s at iv i pu lv is) , h er b/ le af (A lli i u rs in i h er ba / fo liu m ) al lic in a nd it s d er iv at iv es hy po te ns iv e, a nt i- at he ro sc le ro tic , a nt i- co ag ul an t A lit ol , A lli o� l f or te , A lli og al , A lli om ax , G ar lic in , T ab le tk i z cz os nk u B ar ba ra K ub ik , A lin a S ta ch ur sk a- S w ak oń 170 H ya ci nt ha ce ae B at sc h ex B or kh . 5) U rg in ea m ar iti m a Ba k (= Sc ill a m ar iti m a L. ) M ed ite rr an ea n ba si n bu lb (B ul bu s Sc ill ae ) am on g ot he rs : s ci lla re n A , pr os ci lla ri di n A ca rd io to ni c: a nt i- ar rh yt hm ic , st re ng th en in g th e ac tiv ity o f th e he ar t m us cl e Pr os ci lla ri di n C on va lla ri ac ea e H or an 6) C on va lla ri a m aj al is L. Eu ro pe , N or th A m er ic a, W es t A si a he rb (H er ba C on va lla ri ae ) co nv al la to xi n, c on va llo si de , co nv al la to xo l ca rd io to ni c: a nt i- ar rh yt hm ic , st re ng th en in g th e ac tiv ity o f th e he ar t m us cl e C ar di ol C , C on va fo rt , K el ic ar di na Ru sc ac ea e Sp re ng . 7) O ph io po go n ja po ni cu s ( L. f. ) K er .-G aw l. So ut h- Ea st A si a rh iz om e, ro ot (R ad ix O ph io po go ni s) op hi og en in , r us co ge ni ns , sp ir os ta ns , o ph io si de A , m on ot er pe ne g lic os id e, op hi op og on ol an ti- sw el lin g, v as op ro te ct iv e, in th e tr ea tm en t o f v ar ic os e ve in s a nd h ae m or rh oi ds ; st re ng th en s t he h ea rt a nd im pr ov es b lo od c ir cu la tio n; an tic oa gu la nt ; u se d as a n au xi lia ry a �e r a st ro ke Ru sc og en in 8) R us cu s ac ul ea tu s L . M ed ite rr an ea n ba si n rh iz om e (R us ci rh iz om a) st er oi d sa po ni ns (r us co ge ni n, ru sc in , r us co si de ), es se nt ia l oi l an ti- sw el lin g, v as op ro te ct iv e ag en ts , u se d in th e tr ea tm en t of v ar ic os e ve in s i n th e le gs an d ha em or rh oi ds D io sm in a pl us , D io st ri n, K rą że ni e I L ov e H er bs -c ap s, Ru sc og en in , R us co la n, Ru sc ov en p lu s, Ru sk or ex , Va ri xi na l, Ve no 3 3 co m pl ex , Ve no C or ec to r, Ve no x Po ac ea e Ba rn ha rt (= G ra m in ea e) Ju ss . 9) B am bu sa ar un di na ce a (R et z. ) W ill d. (= B. b am bo s ( L. ) Vo ss ) So ut h C hi na , In di an su bc on tin en t le af , s ee d, ro ot am in o ac id s, si lic a, po ly sa cc ha ri de s, m in er al s, vi ta m in s ( ri bo �a vi n, th ia m in e, v ita m in C , n ia ci n an d β- ca ro te ne ), re si ns , w ax es an ti- at he ro sc le ro tic , va so pr ot ec tiv e, a nt i- ha em or rh ag ic Ve no C or ec to r P lants supporting the treatm ent of cardiovascular diseases 171 Ra nu nc ul ac ea e Ju ss . 10 ) A do ni s ve rn al is L. Eu ro pe , A si a �o w er in g he rb (H er ba A do ni di s ve rn al is) ca rd en ol id e gl yc os id es (e .g . ad on ito xi n, a do ni to xo l), �a vo no id s ( e. g. v ite xi n, lu te ol in ), ph yt os te ro ls , ch ol in e, a do ni to l ca rd io to ni c: a nt i- ar rh yt hm ic – st re ng th en s a nd im pr ov es th e ac tiv ity o f t he h ea rt m us cl e, c al m in g K el ic ar di na , T in ct ur a A do ni di s v er na lis (c ur re nt ly on p re sc ri pt io n) H am am el id ac ea e R . B r. 11 ) H am am el is vi rg in ia na L . N or th A m er ic a; cu lti va te d in Eu ro pe le af (H am am el id is fo liu m ) ta nn in s ( ga la to ni ns , g al lic ac id ), �a vo no id s, sa po ni ns as tr in ge nt , a nt i- ha em or rh ag ic La ta n że l, Pr ep ar at io n H ż el , Ru sc ov en p lu s, Ve no cz ar ż el , Ve no so l B on ifr at er s G ro ss ul ar ia ce ae D C . 12 ) R ib es n ig ru m L. Eu ro pe , A si a le af (F ol iu m Ri bi s n ig ri ), fr ui t (F ru ct us R ib is ni gr i ) �a vo no id s ( ru to si de ), ta nn in s, an th oc ya ni ns , vi ta m in C as tr in ge nt , v as op ro te ct iv e; ha s a p os iti ve e �e ct o n ci rc ul at io n an d he ar t fu nc tio n R ib es n ig ru m – m ac er at gl ic er yn ow y V ita ce ae Ju ss . 13 ) V iti s v in ife ra L. M ed ite rr an ea n ba si n an d So ut h- W es t A si a; c ul tiv at ed fr ui t ( V iti s V in ife ra F ru ct us Ex tr ac tu m ), se ed (V iti s V in ife ra S em en Ex tr ac tu m ), le af (V iti s V in ife ra F ol iu m Ex tr ac tu m ) ta nn in s, a nt ho cy an in s, �a vo no id s, w ax es , v ita m in s, pr oc ya ni di ns , p ec tin s, po ly sa cc ha ri de s, a ro m at ic s, ca ro te no id s; s til be ne de ri va tiv es : r es ve ra tr ol , tr an s- re sv er at ro l a nd vi ni fe ri ne in c ar di ov as cu la r d is or de rs , i t pr ev en ts a th er os cl er os is a nd is ch em ic h ea rt d is ea se C ol la de n, D op pe l H er z V ita l, K rą że ni e I L ov e H er bs -c ap s, Ru sc ov en p lu s B ar ba ra K ub ik , A lin a S ta ch ur sk a- S w ak oń 172 M al pi gh ia ce ae Ju ss . 14 ) M al pi gh ia gl ab ra L . So ut h pa rt o f N or th A m er ic a, C en tr al A m er ic a, no rt he rn pa rt o f S ou th A m er ic a fr ui t e xt ra ct ( F ru ct us Ex tr ac tu m M al pi gh ia g la br a ) so ur ce o f v ita m in C se al s c ap ill ar ie s R os av it C V io la ce ae B at sc h 15 ) V io la tr ic ol or L. s. st . Eu ro pe , N or th A m er ic a, N or th A fr ic a, A si a (S ib er ia ) he rb (H er ba V io la e tr ic ol or is) �a vo no id s ( ru to si de , qu er ce tin ), an th oc ya ni ns (v io la ni n) , p he no lic a ci ds , ca ro te no id s ( vi ol ax an th in ), m uc ila ge s a nd ta nn in s va so pr ot ec tiv e, to ni ng Br at ek , B ra te k �x , R ek to sa n, V io la – � x Pa ss i� or ac ea e Ju ss . e x R ou ss el 16 ) P as si� or a in ca rn at a K er .- G aw l. So ut h- Ea st U SA ; c ul tiv at ed in C en tr al a nd So ut h A m er ic a he rb (H er ba Pa ss i� or ae ) in do le a lk al oi ds , � av on oi ds , cy an og en ic g ly co si de , ph yt os te ro ls , m in er al sa lts , pa si �o ri n lo w er s b lo od p re ss ur e, st re ng th en s t he h ea rt , r ed uc es sp as m s o f t he c or on ar y ve ss el s Pa ss is pa sm in a Sa lic ac ea e M ir b. 17 ) S al ix sp . co sm op ol ita n ba rk (C or te x Sa lic is) sa lic in , � av on oi ds , c ha lc on es , ph en ol ic g ly co si de s, st er ol s, te rp en es a nd o th er s an ti- co ag ul an t, se al in g on bl oo d ve ss el s Ru tin os al C Fa ba ce ae L in dl . ( Le gu m in os ae Ju ss . = P ap ili on ac ea e G is ek e) 18 ) M el ilo tu s o� ci na lis (L .) Pa ll. Eu ro pe , C en tr al A si a; in tr od uc ed in A m er ic a he rb (M el ilo ti he rb a) co um ar in , d ic ou m ar ol , co um ar ic a ci d, m el yl to si de , al la nt oi n, � av on oi ds , t an ni ns an ti- co ag ul an ts , a nt i- sw el lin g, in th e tr ea tm en t o f po or ly h ea lin g w ou nd s a nd ha em or rh oi ds Ta bl et ki to ni zu ją ce P lants supporting the treatm ent of cardiovascular diseases 173 19 ) S ar ot ha m nu s sc op ar iu s ( L. ) W im m . e x W .D .J. K oc h C en tr al a nd So ut h Eu ro pe he rb (H er ba Sa ro th am ni ) qu in ol iz id in e al ka lo id s (s pa rt ei ne , l up an in e, hy dr ox yl up an in e, sa ro ta m in e) , a m in es , �a vo no id s an ti- ar rh yt hm ic , s tr en gt he ns th e he ar t, in cr ea se s b lo od pr es su re a nd d ila te s b lo od ve ss el s C ar di os an , H em or ol 20 ) S op ho ra ja po ni ca L . ( = St yp hn ol ob iu m ja po ni cu m (L .) Sc ho tt) C hi na , K or ea ; cu lti va te d �o w er (S op ho ra e ja po ni ca e �o s) , fr ui t ( So ph or ae ja po ni ca e fr uc tu s) �a vo no id s ( qu er ce tin , r ut in ), ph os ph ol ip id s, al ka lo id s, po ly sa cc ha ri de s, es se nt ia l oi ls , o rg an ic a ci ds , v ita m in s C , P su pp or ts th e w or k of th e he ar t, no rm al is es b lo od pr es su re , s tr en gt he ns b lo od ve ss el s, an ti- co ag ul an ts K rą że ni e I L ov e H er bs -c ap s, Ti nc tu ra S op ho ra e ja po ni ca e Ro sa ce ae Ju ss . 21 ) A ro ni a m el an oc ar pa (M ic hx .) El lio tt N or th A m er ic a; cu lti va te d in Eu ro pe fr ui t ( A ro ni ae fr uc tu s) an th oc ya ni ns , � av on oi ds , ta nn in s, or ga ni c ac id s, pe ct in s hy po te ns iv e, su pp or ts th e fu nc tio ni ng o f t he c ir cu la to ry sy st em , i n hy pe rt en si on , i n ha em or rh oi ds A ro ni a so k 10 0% , H er ba tk a �x Ż yl ac ze k, K ap su łk i A ro ni a, N a ci śn ie ni e ka ps uł ki 22 ) C ra ta eg us la ev ig at a (P oi r.) D C . a nd C . m on og yn a Ja cq . Eu ro pe , A si a, N or th A fr ic a in �o re sc en ce ( I n� or es ce nt ia C ra ta eg i ) , f ru it (C ra ta eg i f ru ct us ) �a vo no id s ( vi ta m in , r ut os id e, ap ig en in ), am in es (c ho lin e, ac et yl ch ol in e) , p he no lic a ci ds (c a� ei c ac id ), co um ar in s (e sc ul in ), ph yt os te ro ls , B vi ta m in s, vi ta m in C ca rd io to ni c, h yp ot en si ve , re la xa nt , v as op ro te ct iv e C ar di ac tiv – n al ew ka , C ar di ol C , C ar di ot on ic , C iś ni en ie n or m a – he rb at ka zi oł ow a, C ra vi so l, D op pe l H er z V ita l, Ex tr as pa zm in a, G łó g zi oł a w ta bl et ka ch , K el ic ar di na , N eo ca rd in a, N eo sp as m in a, N eu ro si n Te a, P as si sp as m in a, P lu sz go ld v ita l, Sk le ro sa n, St ro ph an th us C om p. , Ta bl et ki to ni zu ją ce , Ve no fo rt on , 23 ) P ot en til la er ec ta (L .) R ae us ch . C en tr al a nd no rt he rn Eu ro pe , A si a rh iz om e (T or m en til la e rh iz om a) ta nn in s, el la gi c ac id , q ui no ni c ac id , t or m en to si de an ti- ha em or rh ag ic , d ia st ol ic , as tr in ge nt H em or ol B ar ba ra K ub ik , A lin a S ta ch ur sk a- S w ak oń 174 24 ) R os a ca ni na L. no rt he rn he m is ph er e �o ra l c up – hy pa nt hi um (F ru ct us R os ae ) �a vo no id s, an th oc ya ni ns , ca ro te no id s, xa nt ho ph yl ls , ta nn in s, vi ta m in s C , E , K , P an d gr ou p B st re ng th en in g ca pi lla ri es , an ti- sp as m od ic , t on in g C ar di os an , N eo ca rd in a, Pl us z go ld v ita l, R os av it C , 25 ) R ub us sp . Eu ro pe , A si a fr ui t ( Fr uc tu s R ub i) an th oc ya ni ns , t an ni ns , vi ta m in C su pp or ts th e w or k of th e ci rc ul at or y sy st em : i nc re as e th e el as tic ity o f c ap ill ar ie s an d st re ng th en s a nd de to xi �e s t he h ea rt C ar di os an 26 ) S an gu is or ba o� ci na lis L . Eu ro pe , A si a, N or th A m er ic a rh iz om e (R ad ix Sa ng ui so rb ae ), he rb (H er ba Sa ng ui so rb ae ). ta nn in s, sa po ni ns , � av on oi ds in h ae m or rh oi ds , a nt i- ha em or rh ag ic Z ie le k rw iś ci ąg u 27 ) S or bu s au cu pa ri a L. em en d. H ed l. Eu ro pe , A si a �o w er (S or bi � os ), fr ui t ( So rb i f ru ct us ) or ga ni c ac id s, ca ro te no id s, ta nn in s, bi tte rn es s, so rb ito l, vi ta m in C an ti- at he ro sc le ro tic , a nt i- in �a m m at or y, as tr in ge nt O w oc ja rz ęb in y he rb at ka zi oł ow a R ek to sa n, S kl er os an U rt ic ac ea e Ju ss . 28 ) U rt ic a di oi ca L. co sm op ol ita n le af (F ol iu m U rt ic ae ), ro ot (R ad ix U rt ic ae ), se ed (S em en U tr ic ae d io ic ae ) ta nn in s, ca ro te no id s, �a vo no id s, m ic ro el em en ts , am in es , v ita m in s B , C , K hy po te ns iv e, to ni c, an ti- ha em or rh ag ic , a nt i- sp as m od ic , a nt i- an ae m ic C ar di o fa rm H ip po ca st an ac ea e D C . 29 ) A es cu lu s hi pp oc as ta nu m L . Ba lk an Pe ni ns ul a; cu lti va te d in Eu ro pe ko ra (C or te x H ip po ca st an i) , �o w er (F lo s H ip po ca st an i) , fr ui t ( Fr uc tu s H ip po ca st an i im m at ur us ), se ed (S em en H ip po ca st an i) sa po ni ns (e sc in ), co um ar in s (e sc ul in , e sc ul et in ), �a vo no id s, �a vo ne s va so pr ot ec tiv e, a nt i- ed em a, an ti- ha em or rh ag ic , i n th e tr ea tm en t o f p er ip he ra l sy st em d is or de rs , v ar ic os e ve in s o r h ae m or rh oi ds A es ci n że l, A es cu la n, Es ce ve n, H em or ol , H er ba tk a �x Ż yl ac ze k, In tr ac tu m H ip po ca st an i, K rą że ni e I L ov e H er bs , L at an ż el , N eo -a es cu la n że l, R ek to sa n, Sa po ve n T, V ar ix in al , Ve ne sc in , V en of or to n, V en ol P lants supporting the treatm ent of cardiovascular diseases 175 Ru ta ce ae Ju ss . 30 ) C itr us au ra nt iu m L . So ut h- Ea st A si a pe ri ca rp (A ur an tii am ar i e pi ca rp iu m et m es oc ar pi um ), �o w er (A ur an tii am ar i � os ) es se nt ia l o ils , r ut in , n ar in gi n, he sp er id in , v ita m in P se al s b lo od v es se ls ; i nc re as es bl oo d pr es su re K rą że ni e I L ov e H er bs , Ru tin a C m ax , V en o 33 co m pl ex , V en oC or ec to r, Ve no x 31 ) C itr us li m on Bu rm . f . So ut h- Ea st A si a; c ul tiv at ed in m an y co un tr ie s pe ri ca rp (C itr i pe ri ca rp iu m ) ru tin , v ita m in s C a nd B 1 a nd ci tr ic a ci d se al s b lo od v es se ls D io sp ir in 32 ) R ut a gr av eo le ns L . Eu ro pe , N or th A fr ic a he rb (H er ba Ru ta e) , l ea f ( Fo liu m Ru ta e) �a vo no id s ( ru to si de , qu er ce tin ), fu ra no co um ar in s, qu in ol in e, a cr id in e an d fu ra nc in ol in e al ka lo id s va so pr ot ec tiv e, d ia st ol ic , hy po te ns iv e, a nt i- ed em a; im pr ov es p er ip he ra l ci rc ul at io n Ve no C or ec to r St er cu lia ce ae V en t. 33 ) C ol a ni tid a (V en t.) S ch ot t & E nd l. an d C . ac um in at a (P . Be au v. ) S ch ot t & En dl . W es t A fr ic a em br yo s f ro m se ed s ( C ol ae se m en ) al ka lo id s, am on g ot he rs ca �e in e, th eo br om in e ca �e in e di la te s t he c er eb ra l an d co ro na ry v es se ls o f th e he ar t a nd n ar ro w s t he ab do m in al v es se ls ; i nc re as es bl oo d pr es su re C ar di ol C M al va ce ae Ju ss . 34 ) H ib is cu s sa bd ar i� a L. tr op ic al A fr ic a; cu lti va te d in A ra b co un tr ie s an d In di a �o w er (H ib is ci sa bd ar i� ae � os ) an th oc ya ni ns , p ol yp he no ls , �a vo no id s, or ga ni c ac id s (c itr ic , m al ic , o xa lic , hi bi sc us ), so ur ce o f v ita m in C lo w er s b lo od p re ss ur e an d ch ol es te ro l – im pr ov es h ea rt fu nc tio n Bi o hi bi sc us , C ar di os an B ar ba ra K ub ik , A lin a S ta ch ur sk a- S w ak oń 176 Br as sic ac ea e Bu rn et t 35 ) C ap se lla bu rs a- pa st or is (L .) M ed ik . Ea st er n pa rt o f M ed ite rr an ea n ba si n; c ur re nt ly co sm op ol ita n he rb (H er ba B ur sa e pa st or is) �a vo no id s ( e. g. ru tin , di os m os is , h es pe ri di n) , am in o ac id s ( e. g. or ni th in e, α -a m in ob ut yr ic ac id ), m on ot er pe no id s, gl uc os in ol at es (s yn ig ri n) , e tc . as tr in ge nt , a nt i- ha em or rh ag ic ; i n ha em or rh oi ds H em or ig en fe m in a Lo ra nt ha ce ae Ju ss . 36 ) V is cu m al bu m L . Eu ro pe , A si a he rb (H er ba V is ci ) �a vo no id s ( qu er ce tin ), am in es (h is ta m in e, c ho lin e, ac et yl ch ol in e) , v is co to xi ns , ph en ol ic a ci ds (c a� ei c ac id , fe ru lic a ci d) se da tiv e, h yp ot en si ve ; re gu la te s t he w or k of th e he ar t a nd d ila te s t he v es se ls C ra vi so l, In tr ac tu m V is ci , Sk le ro sa n, V en of or to n Po ly go na ce ae Ju ss . 37 ) F ag op yr um es cu le nt um M oe nc h Eu ro pe , C en tr al A si a. he rb (F ag op yr i he rb a) �a vo no id s ( qu er ce tin de ri va tiv e, ru to si de ), ph en ol ic ac id s, vi ta m in C va so pr ot ec tiv e; g en tly lo w er s bl oo d pr es su re Es sa ve n ge l, H em or ig en fe m in a, K el ic ar di na , R ut is ol , Ve no C or ec to r 38 ) P ol yg on um av ic ul ar e L. Eu ro pe he rb (H er ba Po ly go ni a vi cu la ri s) �a vo no id s ( hy pe ro si de , qu er ce tin ), ph en ol ic a ci ds (c a� ei c, c ho lo ro ge ni c) , ta nn in s an ti- ha em or rh ag ic , t on in g; cl ea ns in g th e bl oo d H er ba tk a �x Ż yl ac ze k, Sk le ro sa n C ac ta ce ae Ju ss . 39 ) S el en ic er eu s gr an di �o ru s ( L. ) Br it. & R os e C en tr al a nd So ut h A m er ic a �o w er in g st em s fa vo no id s (c ac ci tin , r ut in , qu er ce tin -3 -r ut os id e) , hy pe ro si de (h yp er in or k em pp er ry th ri n) , bi og en ic a m in es (t yr am in e, N -m et hy lty ra m in e) , di m et hy l t yr am in e (h or de ni ne ), m uc us , r es in w ax es , g ly co si de s in th e he ar t f ai lu re , he ar t w ea kn es s an d at he ro sc le ro si s St ro ph an th us C om p. P lants supporting the treatm ent of cardiovascular diseases 177 � ea ce ae M ir b. e x K er G aw l. 40 ) C am el lia sin en sis (L .) O . K un tz e C hi na , I nd ia , Bu rm a; cu lti va te d le af (F ol iu m � ea e ) al ka lo id s (c a� ei ne , th eo br om in e, th eo ph yl lin e) , ta nn in s, m in er al s al ts , co um ar in s, � av on oi ds (q ue rc et in , k ae m pf er ol ), sa po ni ns a nd e ss en tia l o ils re gu la te s th e co nt en t o f su bs ta nc es th at c on st ri ct an d ex pa nd b lo od v es se ls – pr ev en tio n of a rt er ia l hy pe rt en si on ; i n la rg e do se s it in cr ea se s bl oo d pr es su re K rą że ni e I L ov e H er bs Er ic ac ea e Ju ss . 41 ) K al m ia la tif ol ia L . ( = C ha m ae da ph ne la tif ol ia (L .) K un tz e) Ea st p ar t o f N or th A m er ic a le af (F ol iu m K al m ia e) di te rp en es (e .g . gr ay an ot ox in s) , � av on oi ds , ta nn in s, ph yt os te ro ls (s ito st er ol ), te rp en es , ph en ol ic g ly co si de s ( ar bu tin ) hy po te ns iv e; in h yp er tr op hy an d pa lp ita tio ns o f h ea rt St ro ph an th us C om p. 42 ) O xy co cc us pa lu st ri s P er s. N or th a nd C en tr al Eu ro pe , N or th A si a, N or th A m er ic a fr ui t ( O xy co cc i fr uc tu s) , l ea f (O xy co cc i f ol iu m ) ta nn in s, an th oc ya ni ns , or ga ni c ac id s ( ci tr ic , q ui ni c, ur so lic , b en zo ic ); so ur ce o f vi ta m in C lo w er in g bl oo d pr es su re , as tr in ge nt , v as op ro te ct iv e C ol la de n 43 ) V ac ci nu m m yr til lu s L . Eu ro pe , N or th A m er ic a, so ut he rn A si a fr ui t ( Fr uc tu s M yr til li) , l ea f (F ol iu m M yr til li) fr ui t – ta nn in s, an th oc ya ni ns , pr os cy an id in , p he no lic ac id s, ur so lic a ci d; le af – ta nn in s, gl yc os id es (a rb ut in ), �a vo no id s, qu in ol iz id in e al ka lo id s, ph en ol ic a ci ds , tr ite rp en es as tr in ge nt , v as op ro te ct iv e Bi lb er in , C ol la de n, H er ba tk a �x Ż yl ac ze k, V ar ix in al Ru bi ac ea e Ju ss . 44 ) G al iu m od or at um (L .) Sc op . Eu ro pe , S ou th A fr ic a he rb (H er ba A sp er ul ae ) co um ar in s, �a vo no id s, or ga ni c ac id s, ta nn in s, vi ta m in C se da tiv e, a nt i- in �a m m at or y, re la xa nt ; i m pr ov es b lo od ci rc ul at io n, lo w er s b lo od cl ot tin g H er ba A sp er ul ae 178 B ar ba ra K ub ik , A lin a S ta ch ur sk a- S w ak oń Lo ga ni ac ea e R . B r. ex M ar t. 45 ) S pi ge lia an th el m ia L . A nt ill es a nd So ut h A m er ic a he rb al ka lo id s: is oq ui no lin e an d ac tin id in e- ty pe a lk al oi d ca rd io to ni c pr op er tie s; ac ce le ra te s t he h ea rt ra te , re du ce s h ea rt rh yt hm di st ur ba nc es St ro ph an th us C om p. , H ee l cr al on in k ro pl e A po cy na ce ae Ju ss . 46 ) R au vo l� a se rp en tin a (L .) Be nt h. so ut he rn a nd so ut h- ea st er n A si a ro ot (R ad ix R au w ol �a e ) in do le a lk al oi ds (a jm al in e, re se rp in e) , p hy to st er ol s se da tiv e, h yp ot en si ve , an ti- ar rh yt hm ic : i n ca rd ia c ar rh yt hm ia s, pa lp ita tio ns a nd at ri al � br ill at io n, d ia st ol ic Se rp in a 47 ) S tr op ha nt hu s gr at us (W al l. & H oo k. ) B ai ll. w es te rn A fr ic a se ed (S em en St ro ph an th i g ra ti ) st ro ph an th in G (u ab ai n) a nd K (c om be tin ) ca rd ia c: a nt i- ar rh yt hm ic , st re ng th en s a nd im pr ov es th e ac tiv ity o f t he h ea rt m us cl e St ro ph an th us C om p. 48 ) V in ca m in or L. Eu ro pe , A si a he rb ( H er ba V in ca e m in or is ) in do le a lk al oi ds (v in ca m in e, vi nc in in e, v in ca m in or in ), �a vo no id s, an th oc ya ni ns , tr ite rp en es , t an ni ns , v ita m in C an ti- ha em or rh ag ic , hy po te ns iv e, d ia st ol ic : di la te s p er ip he ra l v es se ls an d st re ng th en s t he h ea rt fu nc tio n Ba rw in ek p os po lit y (V in ca m in or ) So la na ce ae Ju ss . 49 ) A tr op a be lla - do nn a L. Eu ro pe , A si a M in or , N or th A fr ic a an d A m er ic a he rb (H er ba Be lla do nn ae ), le af (B el la do nn ae fo liu m ), ow oc e (F ru ct us Be lla do nn ae ), ro ot (R ad ix Be lla do nn ae ) tr op an e al ka lo id s ( at ro pi ne , hy os cy am in e, sc op ol am in e) , be lla do ni ne , c ou m ar in s, �a vo no id s, ta nn in s di as to lic ; s pe ed s u p th e he ar t ra te H em or ol P lants supporting the treatm ent of cardiovascular diseases 179 O le ac ea e Ju ss . e x R . B r. 50 ) O le a eu ro pa ea L . Eu ro pe , A fr ic a, A si a; c ul tiv at ed le af (F ol iu m O le ae ) ph en ol ic s ( ol eu ro pe in , hy dr ox yt yr os ol ), �a vo no id s (lu te ol in , r ut in ), qu in ol in e al ka lo id s an ti- at he ro sc le ro tic , a nt i- th ro m bo tic ; i m pr ov in g bl oo d �o w in th e co ro na ry v es se ls Li ść O liw ny La m ia ce ae M ar tin ov (= L ab ia ta e Ju ss .) 51 ) B et on ic a o� ci na lis L . Eu ro pe , N or th A si a he rb (H er ba Be to ni ca e) , l ea f (F ol iu m B et on ic ae ) ta nn in s, ph en ol ic a ci ds , �a vo no id s, ch ol in e, v ita m in C an ti- in �a m m at or y, as tr in ge nt , a nt i- ha em or rh ag ic , i nc re as in g bl oo d cl ot tin g H er ba B et on ic ae 52 ) L eo nu ru s ca rd ia ca L . Eu ro pe , A si a, N or th A m er ic a (t em pe ra te zo ne ) he rb (L eo nu ri ca rd ia ca e he rb a) ca rd ia c gl yc os id es , a lk al oi ds (s ta ch yd ri ne , l eo nu ri n, co nc re te ic in e, fu ri ci n) , ph en yl pr op an oi ds (l eo no si de A , B ), �a vo no id s ( qu er ce tin , ka em pf er ol , a pi ge ni n) , an th oc ya ni ns , t an ni ns , �t os te ro ls , u rs ol ic a ci d, ch ol in e ca rd ia c, h yp ot en si ve , t on ic , se da tiv e, d ia st ol ic , r eg ul at es th e w or k of th e he ar t C ar di os an , T ab le tk i to ni zu ją ce 53 ) M el iss a o� ci na lis L . M ed ite rr an ea n ar ea le af (M el iss ae fo liu m ) te rp en oi ds (c itr al , l in al oo l, ci tr on el la l), ta nn in s, ph en ol ic ac id s ( ca �e ic , r os em ar y, fe ru lic a ci d) , t ri te rp en es , �a vo no id s, vi ta m in C se da tiv e, h yp ot en si ve , a nt i- sp as m od ic ; i n ar rh yt hm ia s o r ca rd ia c ne ur os is C ar di o fa rm , C ra vi so l, D op pe l H er z V ita l, N er vo sa n �x , N er vo so l, N eu ro si n Te a, Pl us z go ld v ita l, Ta bl et ki to ni zu ją ce B ar ba ra K ub ik , A lin a S ta ch ur sk a- S w ak oń 180 54 ) R os m ar in us o� ci na lis L . M ed ite rr an ea n ar ea le af (R os m ar in i fo liu m ), ol ej ek (R os m ar in i o le um ) es se nt ia l o il (b or ne ol , lim on en , c am ph or ), �a vo no id s, ta nn in s, ro sm ar in ic a ci d, sa po ni ns , ph yt os te ro ls an ti- sp as m od ic , t on ic , an ti- at he ro sc le ro tic ; d ila te s ca pi lla ri es a nd st im ul at es bl oo d ci rc ul at io n Pl us z go ld v ita l, C ar di ac tiv , Es sa ve n ge l A st er ac ea e Be rc ht . & J. P re sl (= C om po sit ae G is ek e) 55 ) A ch ill ea m ill ef ol iu m L . s .s. Eu ro pe , A si a, N or th A m er ic a, A us tr al ia a nd N ew Z ea la nd he rb (M ill ef ol ii he rb a) , k w ia to st an (M ill ef ol ii �o s) , l ea f (M ill ef ol ii fo liu m ) es se nt ia l o il (c ha m az ul en e, ac hi lle in , b et ai ne ), se sq ui te rp en es , � av on oi ds , ch ol in e, ta nn in s an ti- ha em or rh ag ic , a nt i- sp as m od ic , h yp ot en si ve ; i n th e tr ea tm en t o f v ar ic os e ve in s a nd h ae m or rh oi ds H em or ig en fe m in a, H em or ol , N er vo sa n �x , N er vo so l, R ek to sa n, Sk le ro sa n 56 ) A rn ic a m on ta na L . C en tr al Eu ro pe , A si a an d N or th A m er ic a in �o re sc en ce (A rn ic ae � os ) se sq ui te rp en es (a rn ic ol id es A , B , C a nd D , h el en al in ), po ly ph en ol s ( cy na ri n, c a� ei c ac id ), �a vo no id s ( as tr ag al in e, is oq ue rc et in ), tr ite rp en es , ca ro te no id s, ph yt os er ol s an ti- in �a m m at or y, ca rd ia c, an ti- ed em a, a nt i- co ag ul an t, va so pr ot ec tiv e, in cr ea se s bl oo d pr es su re A rc al en , A rn ic al ż el , St ro ph an th us C om p. Ti nc tu ra A rn ic ae , V en oc za r że l, Ve no fo rt on , V en os ol Bo ni fr at er s 57 ) C al en du la o� ci na lis L . M ed ite rr an ea n ar ea ; c ul tiv at ed in �o re sc en ce (C al en du la e �o s) tr ite rp en e sa po ni ns , ca ro te no id s, �a vo no id s, co um ar in s ( sc op ol et in , es cu le tin ) va so pr ot ec tiv e, a nt i- ed em a, re du ce s t he p er m ea bi lit y an d fr ag ili ty o f c ap ill ar ie s A rc al en , M aś ć na gi et ko w a, Ve no cz ar ż el , V en ol , V en os ol Bo nf ra te rs 58 ) C ha m om ill a re cu tit a (L .) R au sc he rt Eu ro pe , A si a, N or th A m er ic a, A us tr al ia in �o re sc en ce (M at ri ca ri ae � os ) es se nt ia l o il (c ha m az ul en e, α- bi sa bo lo l), � av on oi ds (a pi ge ni n, q ue rc et in , pa lu le tin ), co um ar in s (u m be lli fe ro ne ), ch ol in e, vi ta m in C di as to lic ; u se d as a n au xi lia ry in h ae m or rh oi ds A es cu la n, H em or ol , H er ba tk a �x Ż yl ac ze k, N eo - ae sc ul an ż el , N er vo sa n �x , N eu ro si n Te a, V en ol 59 ) C on yz a ca na de ns is (L .) C ro nq ui st co sm op ol ita n he rb (H er ba Er ig er on tis ca na de ns is) �a vo no id s ( ru to si de ), ph en ol ic a ci ds (c a� ei c, fe ru lic ), ta nn in s, ph yt os te ro ls , vi ta m in C as tr in ge nt , a nt i- ha em or rh ag ic H em or ig en fe m in a P lants supporting the treatm ent of cardiovascular diseases 181 60 ) C yn ar a sc ol ym us L . Et hi op ia ; cu lti va te d in th e M ed ite rr an ea n, N or th A fr ic a an d A m er ic a he rb (C yn ar ae he rb a) , l ea f (C yn ar ae fo liu m ) cy na ri n, c a� ei c an d ch lo ro ge ni c ac id , cy na ro pi cr in , � av on oi ds , ph yt os te ro ls an ti- at he ro sc le ro tic ; l ow er s ch ol es te ro l a nd lo w er s t he co nt en t o f l ip id s i n th e bl oo d C yn ar ex , S yl ic yn ar A ra lia ce ae Ju ss . 61 ) P an ax g in se ng C .A . M ey er a nd P. q ui nq ue fo liu s L. cu lti va te d in A si a an d N or th A m er ic a ro ot (G in se ng ra di x, G in se ng ex tr ac tu m si cc um ) tr ite rp en e sa po ni ns (g in se no si de s) , a lc oh ol s (p an ax id ol , p an ax in ol , fa lk ar in ol ), �a vo no id s, am in o ac id s, ch ol in e an ti- at he ro sc le ro tic , st re ng th en in g th e he ar t m us cl e; in cr ea se s b lo od pr es su re Bo dy m ax p lu s, G in ko gi ns , G in se lin , Ż eń -s ze ń vi ta co m pl ex A pi ac ea e Li nd l. (= U m be lli fe ra e Ju ss .) 62 ) A m m i vi sn ag a (L .) La m . M ed ite rr an ea n ar ea ; in tr od uc ed to C en tr al an d no rt he rn Eu ro pe fr ui t ( A m m i vi sn ag ae fr uc tu s) py ra no co um ar in s ( vi sn ad in e, sa m id in e) , f ur an oc hr om on e de ri va tiv es (k el in , v is na gi ne ), �a vo no id s, ph en ol ic a ci ds , st er ol s di as to lic , d ila te s b lo od ve ss el s; us ed in c or on ar y ar te ry d is ea se , i n pr e- a nd po st -i nf ar ct io n co nd iti on s K el ic ar di na , T in ct ur a A m m i vi sn ag ae 63 ) C en te lla as ia tic a (L .) U rb . So ut h an d C en tr al A si a an d A fr ic a, A us tr al ia , So ut h an d C en tr al A m er ic a he rb (C en te lla e as ia tic ae h er ba ) tr ite rp en e sa po ni ns (a si at ic os id e, m ad ec as so si de , ce nt el lo si de , s cc ep ho le os id e) an d ac id s ( as ia tic , ce nt el ic ), m on ot er pe ne s, se sq ui te rp en es , p ol ya ce ty le ne co m po un ds , � av on oi ds hy pe rt en si on , p er ip he ra l ci rc ul at io n an d el as tic ity of b lo od v es se ls – in at he ro sc le ro si s Ru sc ov en p lu s, Va ri xi na l, Ve no C or ec to r B ar ba ra K ub ik , A lin a S ta ch ur sk a- S w ak oń 182 C ap ri fo lia ce ae Ju ss . 64 ) S am bu cu s ni gr a L. Eu ro pe , w es te rn a nd C en tr al A si a ro ot (R ad ix Sa m bu ci ), co rt ex (C or te x Sa m bu ci ), le af (F ol iu m Sa m bu ci ), �o w er (F lo s S am bu ci ), fr ui t ( Fr uc tu s Sa m bu ci ) �a vo no id s, ph en ol ic a ci ds (c a� ei c an d ch lo ro ge ni c ac id ), ta nn in s, m uc ila ge s va so pr ot ec tiv e, su pp or ts m ic ro ci rc ul at io n Sy ro p m al in a z kw ia te m bz u cz ar ne go z w ita m in ą C ; j ui ce s a nd d ec oc tio ns o f �o w er s a nd d ri ed fr ui t Va le ri an ac ea e Ba ts ch 65 ) V al er ia na o� ci na lis L . Eu ro pe , A si a, N or th A m er ic a. ro ot (R ad ix va le ri an ae ) te rp en e al ka lo id s ( va le ri ne , sc in ta nt in , a ct in id in e) , ir id oi ds , e ss en tia l o il (v al er ic ac id , b or ne ol , i so eu ge no l) re la xi ng , d ia st ol ic ; i n ar rh yt hm ia s o r c ar di ac ne ur os is C ar di ol C , C ar di ot on ic , Ex tr as pa zm in a, N eo ca rd in a, N eo sp as m in a, N er vo sa n �x , N er vo so l, Pa ss is pa sm in a P lants supporting the treatm ent of cardiovascular diseases 183 Tab. 3. List of plants with a therapeutic e�ect in cardiovascular diseases Healing action List of species Number of species generally car- diac Adonis vernalis, Arnica montana, Convallaria majalis, Crataegus laevigata, C. monogyna, Hibiscus sabdari�a, Kalmia latifolia, Leonurus cardiaca, Strophan- thus gratus, Styphnolobium japonicum, Urginea maritima, Viscum album 12 strengthening the heart muscle Adonis vernalis, Ammi visnaga, Camellia sinensis, Convallaria majalis, Ophi- opogon japonicus, Panax ginseng, P. quinquefolius, Passi�ora incarnata, Rosa canina, Rubus sp., Sarothamnus scoparius, Selenicereus grandi�orus, Strophanthus gratus, Urginea maritima, Vinca minor, Vitis vinifera 16 anti-arrhythmic Adonis vernalis, Convallaria majalis, Rauvol�a serpentina, Sarothamnus scoparius, Strophanthus gratus, Spigelia anthelmia, Urginea maritima 7 anti-atheroscle- rotic Allium sativum, A. ursinum, Bambusa arundinacea, Centella asiatica, Cy- nara scolymus, Fucus vesiculosus, Equisetum arvense, Olea europaea, Panax ginseng, P. quinquefolius, Rosmarinus o�cinalis, Selenicereus grandi�orus, Sorbus aucuparia, Vitis vinifera 14 anti-coagulants Allium sativum, A. ursinum, Arnica montana, Betonica o�cinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Melilotus o�cinalis, Olea europaea, Ophiopogon japonicus, Salix sp., Styphnolobium japonicum 10 anti-edema Aesculus hippocastanum, Arnica montana, Calendula o�cinalis, Melilotus o�cinalis, Ophiopogon japonicus, Ruscus aculeatus, Ruta graveolens 7 anti-haemor- rhagic Achillea millefolium, Aesculus hippocastanum, Bambusa arundinacea, Be- tonica o�cinalis, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Conyza canadensis, Equisetum arvense, Hamamelis virginiana, Polygonum aviculare, Potentilla erecta, Urtica dioica, Vinca minor 12 anti-spasmodics Melissa o�cinalis, Rosa canina, Rosmarinus o�cinalis 3 diastolic Achillea millefolium, Ammi visnaga, Atropa bella-donna, Chamomilla recu- tita, Cola nitida, C. acuminata, Crataegus laevigata, C. monogyna, Galium odoratum, Leonurus cardiaca, Potentilla erecta, Rauvol�a serpentina, Ruta graveolens, Urtica dioica, Vinca minor 15 anti-hyperten- sive (lowering blood pressure) Achillea millefolium, Allium sativum, A. ursinum, Aronia melanocarpa, Camellia sinensis (small doses), Centella asiatica, Crataegus laevigata, C. monogyna, Fagopyrum esculentum, Fucus vesiculosus, Hibiscus sabdari�a, Kalmia latifolia, Leonurus cardiaca, Melissa o�cinalis, Oxycoccus palustris, Passi�ora incarnata, Rauvol�a serpentina, Ruta graveolens, Urtica dioica, Valeriana o�cinalis, Vinca minor, Viscum album 22 hypertensive (raising blood pressure) Arnica montana, Camellia sinensis (large doses), Citrus aurantium, Cola nitida, C. acuminata, Panax ginseng, P. quinquefolius, Sarothamnus scoparius, 8 vasoprotective (protect the structure of blood vessels) Aesculus hippocastanum, Arnica montana, Bambusa arundinacea, Calen- dula o�cinalis, Centella asiatica, Citrus aurantium, Citrus limon, Crataegus laevigata, C. monogyna, Fagopyrum esculentum, Ginkgo biloba, Malpighia glabra, Ophiopogon japonicus, Oxycoccus palustris, Ribens nigrum, Rubus sp., Ruscus aculeatus, Ruta graveolens, Salix sp., Sambucus nigra, Styphnolobium japonicum, Vaccinum myrtillus, Viola tricolor 23 toning Leonurus cardiaca, Polygonum aviculare, Rosa canina, Rosmarinus o�cinalis,Urtica dioica, Viola tricolor 6 astringent (causing the blood vessels to contract) Betonica o�cinalis, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Conyza canadensis, Hamamelis virginiana, Oxycoccus palustris, Potentilla erecta, Ribens nigrum, Sorbus aucuparia, Vaccinum myrtillus 9 B ar ba ra K ub ik , A lin a S ta ch ur sk a- S w ak oń 184 Rośliny wspomagające leczenie chorób układu krwionośnego Streszczenie Choroby układu sercowo-naczyniowego należą do grupy chorób cywilizacyjnych odpowiedzialnych za główną część zgonów na świecie. W leczeniu i zapobieganiu tym chorobom stosuje się liczne leki i preparaty, w tym zawierające substancje roślinne, po które szczególnie chętnie sięgają pacjenci we wczesnych stanach choro- bowych. Na rynku obecnych jest wiele preparatów roślinnych dostępnych bez recepty. Celem opracowania było sporządzenie wykazu systematycznego roślin, które są stosowane powszechnie przez pacjentów przy leczeniu i suplementacji różnych schorzeń związanych z układem krwionośnym. Na podstawie 100 preparatów dostępnych w aptekach lub sklepach zielarskich bez recepty w Polsce sporządzono wykaz gatunków roślin, które scharakteryzowano pod kątem ich pochodzenia, rodzaju surowca zielarskiego, składów chemicznych i właściwości leczniczych wykorzystywanych w chorobach krążenia. Sporządzony wykaz systematyczny obejmuje 65 gatunków, głównie roślin naczyniowych. Najbardziej powszechnym surowcem stosowanym w preparatach dostępnych na rynku jest Crataegus sp., Aesculus hippocastanum oraz Ruscus aculeatus. Więk- szość odnotowanych tu roślin wykazuje działanie wazoprotekcyjne (np. Ginkgo biloba, Ophiogon japonicus, Ruscus aculeatus, Ribes nigrum), obniża ciśnienie tętnicze krwi (np. Aronia melanocarpa, Fucus vesiculosus, Passi�ora incarnata), działa rozkurczająco (np. Leonurus cardiaca, Polygonum aviculare). Lista systematyczna obejmuje 23 gatunki roślin rodzimych dla Europy środkowej, natomiast substancje roślinne otrzymywane z 20 gatunków sprowadzane są różnych obszarów świata. Keywords: blood vessel and heart diseases, dietary supplements, herbal therapies Received: [2021.09.10] Accepted: [2021.11.17]