Natural products and traditional Chinese medicine for myocardial infarction: A review of therapeutic mechanisms and applications

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains a leading cause of cardiovascular-related mortality worldwide. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the application of bioactive natural products and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound formulations for MI therapy. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in their intervention in key pathological mechanisms of MI, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Grounded in the theoretical framework of TCM and clinical practice, the review elucidates their multi-component, multi-target synergistic mechanisms of action. Studies indicate that these natural products possess diverse structures and multi-pathway regulatory pharmacological activities, demonstrating significant therapeutic potential. This work aims to provide new insights for further research and clinical translation of natural products and TCM compounds in MI treatment, promoting their deeper application in integrative medicine and facilitating the development of novel therapeutics.