<i>Berberis vulgaris</i> and its role in atherosclerosis improvement: A review of <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> data.

Inflammation and oxidative stress play a key role in the formation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Due to the presence of alkaloids and polyphenols, <i>B. vulgaris</i> exhibits strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, making its consumption potentially useful in preventing atherosclerosis.