Phytochemicals in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases: Evidence in Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Recent studies suggested that natural compounds can be successfully used in order to prevent, control, or block disease progression by targeting oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. [...]this special issue focused on following aims: (i) to understand the mechanisms of initiation and progression of CVD and respiratory disease within the context of oxidative stress and inflammation and (ii) to highlight phytochemical potential in everyday life, by bringing evidence of their properties related to the oxidation and inflammatory processes from CVD and respiratory diseases. The authors’ aims were to target the minimal persistent systemic inflammation in allergic rhinitis investigating the role of H1 antihistamines. [...]the adhesion molecules’ profile (intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin) was analyzed in patients with allergic rhinitis with focus on H1 antihistamine (desloratadine or levocetirizine) influence on these markers. Overall, the papers reported in this special issue highlight the importance of phytochemicals and their role in CVD prevention. [...]the attention is focused on our understanding regarding their use in traditional medicine, on their safety and efficacy which are in strong correlation with plant extract composition and their phytochemical concentrations.