Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic stress is recognized as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and can worsen the condition of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Traditional medicine is used to reduce stress and manage various diseases, with a particular focus on cardiovascular health. This study aimed to investigate the role of herbal supplements in the management of coronary artery disease (CAD), focusing on their potential to alleviate symptoms, enhance heart health, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in CAD patients, alongside the mechanisms of action underlying their effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This comprehensive review evaluates the impact of medicinal plants on stress and cardiovascular disease in research and studies with coronary artery disease. Scientific articles were sourced from databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, SID, and ScienceDirect, focusing on publications from 2000 to 2024. The selection criteria encompassed research and studies involving various dosages of medicinal plants under different conditions. Only articles in Persian and English were included, excluding those in other languages. Data from the selected articles were extracted, specifically focusing on medicinal plants effective as cardiac tonics within different regions of Iran. RESULTS: The findings indicate that various medicinal plants, including marjoram (Origanum majorana), borage (Borago officinalis), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), valerian (Valeriana officinalis), hops (Humulus lupulus), hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), dracocephalum (Dracocephalum moldavica), mint (Mentha spp.), green tea (Camellia sinensis), and damask rose (Rosa damascena), have been employed for stress relief and the management of CAD, particularly in the context of mitigating cardiovascular disease risk factors. CONCLUSION: The combination of medicinal plants with other treatments can be an effective strategy to reduce stress and enhance cardiovascular health in coronary artery disease patients. Due to their low risk and broad therapeutic benefits, these plants can improve patients' quality of life when used alongside conventional therapies.