The Mediterranean diet: key biologically active agents, mechanisms of action, and clinical efficacy in the context of cardiovascular prevention
https://doi.org/10.15829/1728-8800-2025-4485
EDN: SGQLOQ
Abstract
Among the proven risk factors influencing cardiovascular mortality, unhealthy diet plays a significant role. Currently, the most studied dietary pattern for its cardioprotective properties is the Mediterranean diet.
The aim of this review is to present current data on the key biologically active agents of the Mediterranean diet, their mechanisms of action, and the evidence base for their clinical efficacy in the context of cardiovascular prevention. The review for each active agent is structured into subsections, including: a) a list of plant-based foods containing the active agent; b) a summary of the agent's mechanisms of action; and c) the evidence base for its clinical efficacy.
The authors hope that the information presented in this review will be useful to primary care physicians, internists, and cardiologists and can be applied in their practice to prevent cardiovascular diseases and improve patients' quality of life.
About the Authors
K. S. Samatova
National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Petroverigsky Lane, 10, bld. 3, Moscow, 101990
N. G. Gumanova
National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Petroverigsky Lane, 10, bld. 3, Moscow, 101990
A. I. Korolev
National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Petroverigsky Lane, 10, bld. 3, Moscow, 101990
A. R. Kiselev
National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Petroverigsky Lane, 10, bld. 3, Moscow, 101990
A. Yu. Gorshkov
National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Petroverigsky Lane, 10, bld. 3, Moscow, 101990
O. M. Drapkina
National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Petroverigsky Lane, 10, bld. 3, Moscow, 101990
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Supplementary files
What is already known about the subject?
- The composition of the Mediterranean diet was studied.
- The mechanism of action of several components of the Mediterranean diet was discovered.
- The benefits of this diet for vascular health were demonstrated, and the anti-atherosclerotic and anti-inflammatory properties of the Mediterranean diet were established.
What might this study add?
- Current information on the mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy of the main biologically active agents of the Mediterranean diet is presented and structured.
- The role of alcohol in the Mediterranean diet is discussed, and the results of clinical studies are critically analyzed.
- Promising approaches for cardioprotective diet standards are highlighted.
Review
For citations:
Samatova K.S., Gumanova N.G., Korolev A.I., Kiselev A.R., Gorshkov A.Yu., Drapkina O.M. The Mediterranean diet: key biologically active agents, mechanisms of action, and clinical efficacy in the context of cardiovascular prevention. Cardiovascular Therapy and Prevention. 2025;24(9):4485. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.15829/1728-8800-2025-4485. EDN: SGQLOQ
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