Therapeutic Mechanisms of Acorus tatarinowii and Its Bioactive Compounds in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, imposing significant healthcare and economic burdens. Despite advances in treatment, current therapies have limitations that underscore the need for safer and more effective alternatives. Acorus tatarinowii (A. tatarinowii), a well-known herb in traditional Chinese medicine, has shown promising cardioprotective effects, which are primarily attributed to its active compounds, mainly including α-asarone and β-asarone. This review systematically explores the pharmacological mechanisms by which A. tatarinowii and its bioactive components contribute to CVD management. It also examines the potential of nanotechnology-based delivery systems to enhance their therapeutic efficacy. We conducted a comprehensive review of recent preclinical and pharmacological studies to evaluate the therapeutic potential, mechanisms of action, and clinical prospects of A. tatarinowii in the treatment of CVDs. Data were retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, and ScienceDirect, focusing principally on publications from the past five years. Studies were selected based on their investigation of the pharmacological properties, cardiovascular applications, and nanodelivery formulations of A. tatarinowii and its active compounds. A. tatarinowii exhibits a range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-autophagic, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic effects. These mechanisms contribute to its therapeutic potential in managing hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, and arrhythmias. Moreover, emerging nano delivery systems, such as lipid nanoparticles and polymeric carriers, have been shown to improve the bioavailability, stability, and overall therapeutic potential of its bioactive compounds while reducing dose-dependent toxicities. This review highlights A. tatarinowii and its bioactive components as innovative candidates for CVD management. The incorporation of nanotechnology represents a transformative strategy to optimize their pharmacological effects. Future research should focus on clinical validation and further mechanistic studies to facilitate their translation into modern cardiovascular medicine.