Targeting Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells with Natural Compounds to Combat Atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) significantly contributes to health issues and deaths globally, with atherosclerosis (AS) recognized as the primary factor behind persistent cardiovascular disorders. AS is a long-lasting and advancing inflammatory process marked by the excessive accumulation of lipids, oxidative stress response, inflammatory reactions, the formation and rupture of plaques, thrombus development and the calcification of blood vessels. Vascular Smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are integral elements of the vascular system. Their proliferation, migration, differentiation, senescence and death are important to AS progression. The specific mechanisms by which VSMCs contribute to AS have been a focal point of research. For the past few years, a number of natural products have gained popularity in AS research due to their multi-target effects and low toxicity. However, a comprehensive review focusing on natural compounds ameliorating AS via VSMCs is understudied. This article will mainly examine the key roles VSMCs play in AS and the regulation of natural compounds that target the metabolism of VSMCs. A summary of the pharmacological roles and possible targets will be presented to elucidate the distinct functions of VSMCs, offering important perspectives for advancing novel and effective therapies against AS.