Abstract

Nitric Oxide (NO) is a molecule of extreme interest to biologists, pharmacologists, physiologists, and biochemists, characterized as a mediator in the cardiovascular system. It has been found to be implicated in various pathological processes. NO is synthesized enzymatically by Nitric Oxide Synthases (NOSs) from L-arginine, and therefore NOSs have emerged as very crucial therapeutic targets. Herein, a series of extracts from plants as well as a number of isolated compounds acting as NOS inhibitors are presented.

Keywords: Nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, naturally occurring NOS inhibitors, NOS inhibitors from plants, isolated natural compounds, extracts from plants.