Abstract

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of mortality in the world and atherosclerosis is the main cause of CHD. Traditional Chinese medicines have been applied in the treatment of CHD for centuries. In the recent years, clinical trials have been carried out to evaluate the efficacies of Chinese medicine. Meanwhile, extensive studies have also been carried out to explore the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of Chinese medicine. In this review, we will summarize the commonly prescribed Chinese medicine and patent Chinese drugs in treating patients with atherosclerotic CHD and review published clinical trials of Chinese medicine in treating CHD. The anti-atherosclerosis mechanism of Chinese medicine will also be reviewed. Finally, challenges and opportunities facing application of Chinese medicine in the treatment of CHD will be presented.

Keywords: Coronary heart disease, Atherosclerosis, Chinese medicine, clinical trials, pharmacological mechanisms, patent Chinese drugs.