Medicinal Plants and Their Bioactive Compounds in the Control of Hyperlipidemia: A Review Study

Introduction: Hyperlipidemia, a chronic metabolic disorder marked by elevated blood lipid levels, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. While pharmacological interventions exist, factors such as medication side effects, cost considerations, and a growing interest in complementary and alternative medicine have stimulated research into the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants in managing hyperlipidemia. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of these botanical agents in reducing blood lipid levels. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across reputable databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and other relevant online platforms. Keywords such as "hyperlipidemia," "herbal medicine," "traditional medicine," "herbal extract," and "herbal therapy" were employed to identify studies published up to 2024. Inclusion criteria were established to select studies that reported the impact of medicinal plants on lipid profile modifications. Results: Based on the results, the study revealed that various medicinal plants, including Thymus vulgaris, Apium graveolens, Cichorium intybus, Fumaria officinalis, Heracleum rawianum, Anthemis altissima, Gundelia tourneforttii, Cynodon dactylon, Anthriscus sylvestrianum, Solanum nigrum, Arum elongatum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Berberis vulgaris, Rheum ribes, and Mentha spicata, are commonly used in traditional medicine to address hyperlipidemia. Conclusions: The use of indigenous Iranian medicinal plants for managing hyperlipidemia is deeply rooted in the country’s ancient history and has been increasingly validated by contemporary scientific research. These natural compounds can help lower blood lipid levels by inhibiting fat absorption and boosting lipid metabolism. The growing interest in traditional medicine and medicinal plants can be attributed to their inherent advantages, such as a lower incidence of side effects compared to synthetic drugs. Ongoing scientific research in this field offers promising avenues for developing innovative and effective herbal-based therapies