Potential benefits of phytochemicals for abdominal aortic aneurysm

BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is an important cause of death in older adults due to aortic rupture. There are currently no effective medical therapies for AAA, with surgery being the only acceptable treatment. There is frequently an extended period between AAA diagnosis and treatment by corrective surgery, during which an effective drug therapy could prevent or delay the need for AAA repair.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to critically summarize prior research investigating the potential benefits of phytochemicals in preventing or treating AAA.

METHODS: In vitro, in vivo and human studies examining the effect of phytochemicals in AAA models and patients were critically summarised.

RESULTS: Some preliminary data support the further investigation of curcumin, radix astragali, grape seed polyphenols, resveratrol, Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761), Ginsenoside Rb1, Dan Hong, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, Baicalein, Fucoidan, Quercetin and Salvianolic acid as potential treatments for AAA.

CONCLUSION: Experimental in vivo and in vitro studies suggest the potential benefits of a number of medicinal herbs and phytochemicals in preventing or reducing the progression of AAA. In order to assess whether these findings can be translated into proven treatments, will require adequately designed double-blind randomized clinical trials.