Angina: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Angina, a condition characterized by temporary reduction in blood flow to the heart, causing chest pain or discomfort, is often a symptom of underlying heart disease.

Caused by coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular conditions, angina can lead to severe health consequences if left unmanaged, including heart failure, heart attack, and even death. To alleviate angina symptoms, herbal remedies such as hawthorn, ginkgo biloba, and garlic have been found to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or worsen underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of angina, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of angina?

The main causes of angina are a combination of factors that lead to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

Narrowing of the coronary arteries, often due to atherosclerosis, is the primary cause, where plaque buildup and inflammation cause the arteries to become stiff and hard. High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and smoking are significant risk factors that contribute to the narrowing of the coronary arteries. Increased demand for oxygen by the heart muscle, often due to physical activity or stress, can also precipitate angina in individuals with pre-existing coronary artery disease.

Additionally, conditions such as hyperthyroidism, anemia, and dehydration can also exacerbate angina by increasing the heart's workload and reducing oxygen delivery.

• Coronary Atherosclerosis: Coronary atherosclerosis is the most common cause of angina, characterized by the buildup of plaque and inflammation within the inner lining of the coronary arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle and subsequent chest pain upon exertion.
• Hypertension: Hypertension is the second most common cause of angina, resulting from chronically elevated blood pressure that puts additional strain on the heart, causing it to pump more forcefully and increasing the risk of coronary artery disease and subsequent angina.
• Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia is the third most common cause of angina, characterized by abnormally high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, which can lead to the formation of plaque within the coronary arteries and subsequent angina.
• Diabetes Mellitus: Diabetes mellitus is a common cause of angina, particularly in individuals with long-standing and poorly controlled diabetes, as it can lead to damage to the blood vessels and nerves that regulate blood flow to the heart, increasing the risk of angina.
• Smoking: Smoking is a significant cause of angina, as it damages the inner lining of the coronary arteries and reduces blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to chest pain upon exertion.
• Obesity: Obesity is a contributing factor to angina, as excess body weight puts additional strain on the heart and can lead to the development of other conditions, such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia, that increase the risk of angina.
• Family history of coronary artery disease: Family history of coronary artery disease is a significant risk factor for angina, as it suggests an inherited predisposition to the development of coronary artery disease, which can increase the risk of angina and other cardiovascular conditions.
• Lack of physical activity: Physical inactivity, or a lack of regular exercise, is a contributing factor to angina, as it can lead to the development of other conditions, such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia, that increase the risk of angina.
• Heavy alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption is a contributing factor to angina, as it can lead to the development of other conditions, such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia, that increase the risk of angina, and can also damage the inner lining of the coronary arteries.
• Increasing age: Increasing age is a risk factor for angina, as it is associated with a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular conditions that can lead to angina.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for angina?

The main medicinal herbs used for angina are Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, Centella asiatica, Zingiber officinale, Crataegus monogyna, Rauvolfia serpentina, Ruscus aculeatus, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Valeriana officinalis, Coleus forskohlii.

Ginkgo biloba's flavonoids and terpenoids improve blood flow, reducing angina symptoms. Panax ginseng's saponins increase nitric oxide, enhancing vasodilation and reducing ischemia. Salvia miltiorrhiza's tanshinones and Salvianolic acids inhibit platelet aggregation, lowering cardiac workload and improving microcirculation.

Other herbs, such as Crataegus monogyna and Zingiber officinale, also exhibit vasodilatory and antioxidant properties, contributing to the management of angina symptoms.

• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba helps alleviate angina symptoms by improving blood flow to the heart and reducing blood viscosity, ultimately enhancing oxygen delivery to the myocardium.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng is believed to help with angina by modulating the cardiovascular system, improving blood flow, and reducing inflammation, which may contribute to its potential cardiovascular protective effects.
• Centella asiatica: Centella asiatica's bioactive compounds, particularly triterpenoids and flavonoids, may help mitigate angina symptoms by improving blood circulation, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting overall cardiovascular health.
• Zingiber officinale: The active compound gingerol in Zingiber officinale may help alleviate angina symptoms by reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and modulating the cardiovascular system, which could contribute to its potential cardiovascular protective effects.
• Crataegus monogyna: Crataegus monogyna's flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins may help with angina by improving cardiovascular function, reducing inflammation, and improving blood flow to the heart, which could contribute to its potential cardiovascular protective effects.
• Rauvolfia serpentina: Rauvolfia serpentina's alkaloids, particularly reserpine, may help alleviate angina symptoms by reducing sympathetic nerve activity, lowering blood pressure, and improving cardiovascular function.
• Ruscus aculeatus: Ruscus aculeatus's flavonoids and saponins may help mitigate angina symptoms by improving blood circulation, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting overall cardiovascular health.
• Salvia miltiorrhiza: Salvia miltiorrhiza's bioactive compounds, particularly tanshinones, may help with angina by improving cardiovascular function, reducing inflammation, and improving blood flow to the heart, which could contribute to its potential cardiovascular protective effects.
• Valeriana officinalis: Valeriana officinalis's valerenic acid may help alleviate angina symptoms by reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and modulating the cardiovascular system, which could contribute to its potential cardiovascular protective effects.
• Coleus forskohlii: Coleus forskohlii's forskolin may help with angina by improving cardiovascular function, reducing inflammation, and improving blood flow to the heart, which could contribute to its potential cardiovascular protective effects.

What are the main herbal preparations used for angina?

The main herbal preparations used for angina are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Suppository, Cream, Ointment, Salve, Elixir, Gel Capsule, Lozenge.

Tincture is used for its rapid absorption and bioavailability of active compounds, often containing heart-toning herbs like hawthorn and digoxin. Decoction is used to extract and combine multiple herbs, such as motherwort and passionflower, which exhibit vasodilatory and anti-anxiety effects. Capsules and gel capsules are utilized for standardized extracts of herbs like L-arginine and Coenzyme Q10, which improve blood flow and reduce oxidative stress.

Other preparations, including suppositories, creams, ointments, salves, elixirs, and lozenges, are used to target specific symptoms and delivery methods, such as topical application of arnica and ginseng lozenges for oral mucosa and skin benefits.

• Tincture: A tincture of Salvia miltiorrhiza, also known as Danshen, helps with angina by reducing myocardial oxygen demand, improving coronary blood flow, and preventing platelet aggregation, which can alleviate chest pain and reduce the risk of heart attack.
• Decoction: A decoction of Ginkgo biloba leaves helps with angina by improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and preventing platelet aggregation, which can alleviate chest pain and improve overall cardiovascular health.
• Capsule: A capsule of the herbal extract, Crataegus oxyacantha, commonly known as Hawthorn, helps with angina by improving cardiac output, reducing myocardial oxygen demand, and preventing arrhythmias, which can alleviate chest pain and reduce the risk of heart failure.
• Suppository: A suppository of the herbal extract, Zingiber officinale, commonly known as Ginger, helps with angina by reducing inflammation, improving blood circulation, and preventing platelet aggregation, which can alleviate chest pain and reduce the risk of heart attack.
• Cream: A cream of the herbal extract, Passiflora incarnata, commonly known as Passionflower, helps with angina by reducing anxiety and stress, which can contribute to angina symptoms, and promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension.
• Ointment: An ointment of the herbal extract, Aloe barbadensis, commonly known as Aloe Vera, helps with angina by reducing inflammation and improving wound healing, which can alleviate chest pain and promote overall cardiovascular health.
• Salve: A salve of the herbal extract, Chamomilla recutita, commonly known as Chamomile, helps with angina by reducing anxiety and stress, which can contribute to angina symptoms, and promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension.
• Elixir: An elixir of the herbal extract, Panax ginseng, commonly known as Ginseng, helps with angina by improving cardiovascular function, reducing myocardial oxygen demand, and preventing arrhythmias, which can alleviate chest pain and reduce the risk of heart failure.
• Gel Capsule: A gel capsule of the herbal extract, Astragalus membranaceus, commonly known as Astragalus, helps with angina by improving cardiovascular function, reducing myocardial oxygen demand, and preventing arrhythmias, which can alleviate chest pain and reduce the risk of heart failure.
• Lozenge: A lozenge of the herbal extract, Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as Licorice Root, helps with angina by reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation, which can alleviate chest pain and promote overall cardiovascular health.