Ionic Disorders in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Therapeutic Targeting by Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds.

Persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with distinct ion channel abnormalities and their regulatory mechanisms. This review explores the potential of plant-derived bioactive compounds to correct these dysfunctions. As a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, AF involves a complex pathogenesis featuring dysregulated activity in potassium, sodium, and calcium channels. Such ionic disturbances foster electrophysiological instability in cardiomyocytes, which contributes to AF initiation and sustenance. Plant-based compounds have attracted considerable attention for their multitargeted actions, low toxicity, and biocompatibility. Emerging evidence indicates that specific phytochemicals can modulate ion channel function and improve myocardial electrical stability, offering potential avenues for AF therapy. However, the precise mechanisms and clinical translational potential of these compounds require further elucidation. By systematically synthesizing current knowledge, this review assesses the value of plant-derived compounds in rectifying ionic imbalances, with the aim of informing the development of novel antiarrhythmic therapies and future research directions.