Malaysia is blessed to have several natural products. Since past decades, studies have been carried out to discover the highly effective anti-atherosclerotic supplements. The phytoestrogens and soy proteins have gained much attention, over the years. Several literature highlighted the therapeutic effect of alternative medicines on atherosclerosis. However, the overall anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of isoflavones regardless of menopause or postmenopausal state was not discussed, to date. This review aimed to summarize the molecular mechanism of different types of alternative medicines for the treatment of atherosclerosis in general population. The herbs commonly used in the treatment of atherosclerosis are garlic (Allium sativum), pomegranate (Punica granatum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) and green tea (Camellia sinenses). Nevertheless, the palm oil, coconut oil, olive oil and omega-3 also plays significant role in attenuating the risk of atherosclerosis by decreasing the LDL level, increasing the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), scavenging the free radicals and also decreasing the inflammatory process. Daidzein improves atherosclerotic changes by activating the NF-ĸB pathway and regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Genistein reduces the monocyte-endothelial cell and adhesion molecules secretion via cAMP/PKA pathway, it decreases the inflammatory response via initiation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2)/ heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway. Conclusively, we recognized that alternative medicines demonstrate remarkable therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of atherosclerosis in patients of all ages.
In recent years, there is a growing enthusiasm in honey which has potential health benefits, disease prevention and serves as substitution of modern medicine. Honey is a natural sweet product which is produced by honey bees from floral nectar and has been traditionally used to treat several diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease since ancient times. Gelam honey (GH) is one of the Malaysian wild monofloral honey which is widely used as traditional medicine by the local population. GH is enriched with several therapeutic properties namely, antioxidative, antiinflammatory, anticancer and accelerated wound healing activities. However, there is lack of literature focusing on the overall effects of GH and its medicinal value. This review paper summarises the phytochemistry characteristics of GH along with its therapeutic values which lead to a broad spectrum idea on several diseases. A concise clarification on the therapeutic properties of GH is expected to provide new knowledge to the scientific society in the era of modern globalization.