Phytochemicals of Rwandan Plants and Their Mechanisms for Cardiovascular Health: A Systematic Review

Objective Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally with a very high economic burden. The problem still persists despite management of these conditions with conventional drugs due to undesirable side effect hence the need to have effective alternative treatment. This review seeks to explore medicinal plants with therapeutic potentials in management of cardiovascular health in Rwanda. Method This study is a systematic review that explored 28 randomized control studies using experimental animal models and clinical setting for various cardiovascular health-related issues treated with plants sourced from within Rwanda. A comprehensive literature search, that covered publications from January 2000 to January 2026, was carried out using online databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify relevant studies that documented medicinal plants in Rwanda used for cardiovascular diseases. Results From the results of 28 studies, 27 plant species were identified as common plants with ethnobotanical claims in the traditional management of hypertension. The most commonly identified phytochemicals were flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, sesquiterpenes, and anthraquinones. The mechanisms of action included angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition, calcium ion channel blockage, vasodilation and nitric oxide modulation, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic effect. Conclusion There is a rich diversity of medicinal plants with reported benefits in the effective management of hypertension due to the various phytochemicals present in these plants. These plants offer a holistic and accessible approach to hypertension management , with the potential to complement conventional therapies and improve cardiovascular outcomes. The medicinal plants represent a promising strategy for addressing the growing burden of hypertension, particularly in low-resource settings.