Recent Advances in the Knowledge of Naturally-derived Bioactive Compounds as Modulating Agents of the Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone System: Therapeutic Benefits in Cardiovascular Diseases.

BACKGROUND: One of the biggest challenges to public health worldwide is to reduce the number of events and deaths related to the cardiovascular diseases. Numerous approaches have been applied to reach this goal, and drug treatment intervention has been indispensable along with an effective strategy for reducing both cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade is currently one of the most important targets of cardiovascular drug therapy. Many studies have proven the valuable properties of naturally-derived bioactive compounds to treat cardiovascular diseases.

METHODS: The goal of this review, therefore, is to discuss the recent developments related to medicinal properties about natural compounds as modulating agents of the RAAS, which have made them an attractive alternative to be available to supplement the current therapy options.

RESULTS: Data has shown that bioactive compounds isolated from several natural products act either by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme or directly by modulating the AT1 receptors of angiotensin II, which consequently changes the entire classical axis of this system.

CONCLUSION: While there are a few evidence about the positive actions of different classes of secondary metabolites for the treatment of cardiovascular and renal diseases, data is scarce about the clinical assays established to demonstrate their value in humans.