ABSTRACT
The use of plants as a remedy by humans dates back from time immemorial, and their therapeutic capabilities have greatly contributed to the establishment of good health and well-being. Medicinal plants have played a key role in the development of pharmaceutical industries and continue to be a valuable source for new drug discovery. Saptrees (genus Garcinia) are plants belonging to the Clusiaceae family. They are native to tropical Africa, Asia, Brazil, New Caledonia, and Polynesia. Plants of this genus are traditionally used worldwide for the management of various ailments, including cardiac diseases. A broad range of bioactive secondary metabolites has been identified and/or isolated from Garcinia species, such as xanthones, flavonoids (especially biflavonoids), benzophenones (mostly derivates of polyisoprenylated benzophenones), lactones, and phenolic acid. Besides, the cardioprotective effects of extracts and secondary metabolites from Garcinia species have been studied in a number of pharmacological trials. These studies clearly reveal that Garcinia species have cardioprotective properties that are mediated through anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, mitophagic, antioxidant, anti-atherogenic, and antiremodeling effects. The molecular, cellular, and metabolic mechanisms underlying this cardioprotective effect have been also determined. Although interesting results have been obtained so far, the translation of these findings into clinical settings is still needed.
