Bioactive Constituents, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Applications of Food-Medicine Continuum Herbs for Atherosclerosis Prevention and Treatment

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with atherosclerosis (AS) serving as its primary pathological foundation, involving multiple pathological processes, including lipid metabolism disorders, chronic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. The food and medicine continuum (FMC) concept originates from traditional Chinese medicine, emphasizing that certain foods possess both nutritional and medicinal value, aligning closely with the modern "food is medicine" philosophy. This review systematically examines the bioactive components and anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms of ten FMC herbs: Hawthorn Fruit (Crataegus Fructus), Ginkgo Seed (Ginkgo Semen), Milkvetch Root (Astragali Radix), Turmeric (Curcumae Longae Rhizoma), Ginger (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens ), Glossy Ganoderma (Ganoderma), Angelica sinensis(Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Barbary Wolfberry Fruit (Lycii Fructus), lotus leaf (Nelumbinis Folium), and Honey (Mel). These herbs are rich in bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and polysaccharides, which can exert cardiovascular protective effects, such as regulating lipid metabolism, inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress, improving endothelial function, and modulating gut microbiota. Regarding clinical evidence, meta-analyses support the beneficial effects of ginger and honey on cardiometabolic risk factors, though the field still faces challenges including the need for higher-level clinical evidence and difficulties in product standardization. This review aims to integrate traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches, providing scientific evidence for the development of functional foods and phytotherapy.