Natural products as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) for the management of non-communicable diseases

TL;DR

This review explores how statins, including natural products that inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, can help manage various non-communicable diseases beyond just lowering cholesterol.

Contribution

The paper highlights the potential of natural products as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and their role in managing diverse non-communicable diseases.

Findings

Statins are effective in managing cardiovascular disorders and show promise in treating cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Natural products may act as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and could complement synthetic statins for better health outcomes.

Future research should focus on combining natural and synthetic therapies to improve treatment for non-communicable diseases.

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, as well as cardiovascular, metabolic, and central nervous system disorders stand for significant global health burden. Statins, as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, have emerged as a basis in the management of hypercholesterolemia and the prevention of cardiovascular disorders. In this review, we summarize the role of statins in a variety of pathologies, ranging from their well-recognized effects in cardiovascular disorders, to the newly revealed favorable effects in cancer, eye, autoimmune, kidney, gastrointestinal, bone, and autoimmune disorders. Additionally, the current review explores insights into the potential role of natural products as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Future research should focus on the synergistic effects of natural therapies with synthetic statins to improve health outcomes in populations burdened by non-communicable diseases.

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