Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Several proinflammatory cytokines, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been defined as independent risk factors for coronary heart disease. Therefore, research is being directed to evaluate the role of anti-inflammatory therapy in the prevention of CVD.

The release of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 by macrophages in the neointima promotes atherogenesis. These proinflammatory cytokines are also considered decisive factors in the pathogenesis and mortality of heart failure. On the other hand, circulating monocytes, neutrophils, and platelets have been shown to be strong predictors of adverse CV events. Since not all anti-inflammatory agents tested in clinical trials have provided a beneficial CV effect, however, further specific anti-inflammatory pathways are required to evaluate the therapeutic potential of different anti-inflammatory agents in the management of CVD. Although advances have been made in our understanding of these diseases, pharmacological treatment by conventional medicine has not always provided beneficial results. Recent studies have suggested that natural products, nutraceuticals, and traditional herbal medicine (THM), such as ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, Ganoderma lucidum, andrographolide, astaxanthin, esculetin, quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, apigenin, and resveratrol, among others, are potential candidates for the preventative treatment of cardio/cerebrovascular disorders.

The aim of this Special Issue is to invite investigators to contribute original research as well as review articles that will help advance our understanding of the pathology underlying inflammatory-mediated vascular diseases, and the promotion of strategies to prevent and treat these conditions.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Novel methods in cell and molecular aspects to understand the interactions of bioactive compounds with the basic mechanisms of inflammatory response
• Molecular basis for selectivity of bioactive compounds to prevent chronic and acute inflammation-mediated vascular diseases
• Current knowledge on natural bio-actives and nutraceuticals in modulating inflammatory gene expression for the treatment of CVD
• Recent developments in ascertaining the active ingredients of nutritional and traditional herbal medicine against CVD
• Advances in identifying active ingredients of nutritional and medicinal herbs against cardiovascular diseases
• Therapeutic advancement in platelet activation and thrombosis