Traditional Chinese Medicine Targeting Ferroptosis in Cardiovascular Diseases: Advances and Perspectives.

Abstract

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation and redox imbalance, has recently garnered significant attention for its critical role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Accumulating evidence suggests that ferroptosis contributes to a range of cardiovascular pathologies by disturbing iron homeostasis, promoting oxidative stress, and impairing mitochondrial function. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its multi-component and multi-target properties and relatively low toxicity, has shown unique therapeutic potential in modulating ferroptosis-related pathways. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of ferroptosis in CVDs and highlights the mechanisms by which TCM and its bioactive constituents influence ferroptosis. We further discuss the therapeutic implications and translational challenges, aiming to provide novel insights into ferroptosis-targeted interventions for CVDs from the perspective of TCM.