Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) is a condition where narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, typically affecting the legs, leading to pain, cramping, and fatigue during walking.

It is often caused by atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes. If left untreated, PAOD can lead to severe complications, including gangrene, amputation, and even death. Fortunately, herbal remedies such as ginkgo biloba, turmeric, and garlic have been found to help alleviate PAOD symptoms by improving circulation and reducing inflammation.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they can interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of peripheral arterial occlusive disease, 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 peripheral arterial occlusive disease?

The main causes of peripheral arterial occlusive disease are primarily attributed to atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of lipid-rich plaques within the arterial walls, including high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

Other contributing factors include hypertension, smoking, and diabetes mellitus, as these conditions can accelerate the development of atherosclerosis and increase the risk of peripheral arterial disease. Obesity and physical inactivity can also contribute to the development of peripheral arterial occlusive disease by promoting insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. Additionally, genetic factors, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, can also increase the risk of developing peripheral arterial disease.

Furthermore, certain medical conditions, such as polycythemia vera and thrombophilic disorders, can also increase the risk of thrombosis and peripheral arterial occlusive disease.

• Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of peripheral arterial occlusive disease due to the progressive buildup of lipid-rich plaques and inflammation in the arterial walls, leading to stenosis and occlusion of the peripheral arteries.
• Thromboangiitis obliterans: Thromboangiitis obliterans is a cause of peripheral arterial occlusive disease due to the inflammation of small and medium-sized arteries and veins, causing thrombosis and occlusion, often associated with smoking.
• Buerger's disease: Buerger's disease is a cause of peripheral arterial occlusive disease due to the inflammation and thrombosis of small and medium-sized arteries, particularly in the legs and feet, often associated with smoking.
• Thromboembolism: Thromboembolism is a cause of peripheral arterial occlusive disease due to the formation of blood clots that break loose and travel to the peripheral arteries, causing occlusion and ischemia.
• Raynaud's phenomenon: Raynaud's phenomenon is a cause of peripheral arterial occlusive disease due to the vasospasm of the arteries in response to cold temperatures or emotional stress, leading to transient ischemia and color changes in the digits.
• Arterial dissection: Arterial dissection is a cause of peripheral arterial occlusive disease due to the tearing of the arterial wall, leading to thrombosis and occlusion of the affected artery.
• Arterial trauma: Arterial trauma is a cause of peripheral arterial occlusive disease due to the damage to the arterial wall caused by injury, surgery, or other trauma, leading to thrombosis and occlusion.
• Infection: Infection is a cause of peripheral arterial occlusive disease due to the inflammation and thrombosis of the arteries caused by bacterial or fungal infections, such as endarteritis.
• Takayasu arteritis: Takayasu arteritis is a cause of peripheral arterial occlusive disease due to the inflammation of the large arteries, particularly the aorta and its branches, leading to stenosis and occlusion.
• Giant cell arteritis: Giant cell arteritis is a cause of peripheral arterial occlusive disease due to the inflammation of the medium-sized and large arteries, particularly in the head and upper limbs, leading to stenosis and occlusion.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for peripheral arterial occlusive disease?

The main medicinal herbs used for peripheral arterial occlusive disease are Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Zingiber officinale, Astragalus membranaceus, Ruscus aculeatus, Paeonia lactiflora, Lavandula angustifolia, Angelica sinensis, Tribulus terrestris.

Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow and reduces inflammation due to its flavonoids and terpenoids. Salvia miltiorrhiza, also known as Danshen, enhances nitric oxide production and vasodilation via its salvianolic acid B and tanshinone IIA. Panax ginseng, Astragalus membranaceus, and Angelica sinensis exhibit vasodilatory effects and reduce platelet aggregation by modulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Zingiber officinale, Lavandula angustifolia, Paeonia lactiflora, and Ruscus aculeatus have anti-inflammatory properties that complement the vasodilatory effects of the other herbs, while Tribulus terrestris may improve blood flow by reducing blood pressure and increasing cardiac output.

• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba helps with peripheral arterial occlusive disease by improving blood circulation and reducing blood viscosity due to its flavonoid and terpenoid compounds, which can enhance nitric oxide production and inhibit platelet aggregation.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng helps with peripheral arterial occlusive disease by improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting platelet aggregation due to its ginsenosides, which can enhance nitric oxide production and improve endothelial function.
• Salvia miltiorrhiza: Salvia miltiorrhiza helps with peripheral arterial occlusive disease by improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting platelet aggregation due to its tanshinones, which can enhance nitric oxide production, improve endothelial function, and reduce oxidative stress.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with peripheral arterial occlusive disease by reducing inflammation, inhibiting platelet aggregation, and improving blood circulation due to its gingerols and shogaols, which can reduce oxidative stress, improve endothelial function, and enhance nitric oxide production.
• Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus helps with peripheral arterial occlusive disease by improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting platelet aggregation due to its astragalosides, which can enhance nitric oxide production, improve endothelial function, and reduce oxidative stress.
• Ruscus aculeatus: Ruscus aculeatus helps with peripheral arterial occlusive disease by improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation due to its ruscogenins, which can inhibit platelet aggregation and enhance venous tone.
• Paeonia lactiflora: Paeonia lactiflora helps with peripheral arterial occlusive disease by reducing inflammation and inhibiting platelet aggregation due to its paeoniflorins, which can improve endothelial function and reduce oxidative stress.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia helps with peripheral arterial occlusive disease by reducing inflammation and inhibiting platelet aggregation due to its linalool and linalyl acetate, which can improve endothelial function and reduce oxidative stress.
• Angelica sinensis: Angelica sinensis helps with peripheral arterial occlusive disease by improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting platelet aggregation due to its ligustilides and butylphthalide, which can enhance nitric oxide production, improve endothelial function, and reduce oxidative stress.
• Tribulus terrestris: Tribulus terrestris helps with peripheral arterial occlusive disease by improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting platelet aggregation due to its tribulusterols, which can enhance nitric oxide production, improve endothelial function, and reduce oxidative stress.

What are the main herbal preparations used for peripheral arterial occlusive disease?

The main herbal preparations used for peripheral arterial occlusive disease are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Salve, Cream, Gel, Ointment, Suppository, Poultice, Extract.

Decoction of herbs like Ginkgo biloba and Turmeric enhances circulation and reduces inflammation, making it easier for patients to manage symptoms. Tincture of herbs like Ginkgo biloba and Ashwagandha is used topically to increase blood flow and reduce pain. Capsules of herbs like Turmeric and Ginger are taken orally to reduce inflammation and improve circulation.

Topical preparations like Salve, Cream, Gel, Ointment and Suppository of herbs like Aloe vera, Calendula and St. John's Wort are applied directly to the affected area to improve circulation and reduce pain, while Poultice and Extract are used to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

• Decoction: A decoction made from the roots of Panax ginseng can help alleviate peripheral arterial occlusive disease symptoms by increasing blood flow to the extremities due to its vasodilatory effects and potential to improve nitric oxide production.
• Tincture: A standardized tincture of Ginkgo biloba can aid in the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease by improving blood circulation to the limbs due to its flavonoid and terpene content, which may enhance vasodilation and reduce platelet aggregation.
• Capsule: Capsules containing the extract of Coleus forskohlii can help alleviate peripheral arterial occlusive disease symptoms by stimulating the production of cyclic AMP, leading to vasodilation and improved blood flow to the extremities.
• Salve: A salve made from the leaves of Arnica montana can be applied topically to help alleviate peripheral arterial occlusive disease symptoms by reducing inflammation and promoting blood flow to the affected areas through its anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects.
• Cream: A cream containing the extract of Centella asiatica can aid in the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease by improving blood circulation to the extremities due to its triterpenoid content, which may enhance vasodilation and reduce inflammation.
• Gel: A gel made from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus can help alleviate peripheral arterial occlusive disease symptoms by modulating the immune system and improving blood flow to the extremities due to its flavonoid and saponin content.
• Ointment: An ointment containing the extract of Zingiber officinale can aid in the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease by reducing inflammation and promoting blood flow to the affected areas through its anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects.
• Suppository: Suppositories made from the resin of Commiphora mukul can help alleviate peripheral arterial oculsive disease symptoms by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow to the affected areas through its anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the roots of Polygonum multiflorum can be applied topically to help alleviate peripheral arterial occlusive disease symptoms by improving blood circulation to the extremities due to its flavonoid and alkaloid content, which may enhance vasodilation and reduce inflammation.
• Extract: An extract of the leaves of Viscum album can aid in the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease by improving blood circulation to the extremities due to its alkaloid content, which may enhance vasodilation and reduce inflammation.