Endothelial dysfunction (impaired vasodilation, prothrombotic, proinflammatory and prooxidant states) is involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases (atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart failure, stroke) and vascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Reduced production of endothelium-derived relaxing factors, increased release of endothelium-derived constricting factors, prothrombotic molecules and inflammatory mediators, upregulation of growth factors and adhesion molecules play a crucial role in the development and progression of endothelial dysfunction. Phytochemicals belonging to different chemical classes (alkaloids, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids) were reported to prevent and/or reverse endothelial dysfunction in different experimental models. Many of them showed a multitarget activity which is a great advantage in tackling endothelial dysfunction and thereby, they may serve as lead compounds for novel drug development. Salvianolic acid B, caffeic, chlorogenic, ferulic and rosmarinic acids, resveratrol, luteolin are only some examples of phytochemicals modulating multiple mechanisms associated with endothelial dysfunction. Obviously, extensive clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of phytochemicals in improving endothelial function and also their safety. In addition, formulation strategies to enhance bioavailability and afford an endothelium-targeted delivery should be explored.

内皮功能障碍（血管舒张功能障碍，血栓形成，促炎和促氧化剂状态受损）与心血管疾病（动脉粥样硬化，高血压，心力衰竭，中风）和糖尿病的血管并发症有关。内皮源性舒张因子的减少，内皮源性收缩因子，血栓前分子和炎性介质的释放增加，生长因子和粘附分子的上调在内皮功能障碍的发生和发展中起着至关重要的作用。据报道，在不同的实验模型中，属于不同化学类别（生物碱，类黄酮，异类黄酮，酚酸，萜类）的植物化学物质可预防和/或逆转内皮功能障碍。他们中的许多人表现出多靶点活性，这在解决内皮功能障碍方面具有巨大优势，因此，它们可以作为新药开发的先导化合物。丹酚酸B，咖啡酸，绿原酸，阿魏酸和迷迭香酸，白藜芦醇，木犀草素只是调节与内皮功能障碍相关的多种机制的植物化学物质的一些例子。显然，需要进行广泛的临床试验以确认植物化学物质在改善内皮功能及其安全性方面的功效。另外，应该探索提高生物利用度并提供内皮靶向递送的制剂策略。白藜芦醇，木犀草素只是调节与内皮功能障碍有关的多种机制的植物化学物质的一些例子。显然，需要进行广泛的临床试验以确认植物化学物质在改善内皮功能及其安全性方面的功效。另外，应该探索提高生物利用度并提供内皮靶向递送的制剂策略。白藜芦醇，木犀草素只是调节与内皮功能障碍有关的多种机制的植物化学物质的一些例子。显然，需要进行广泛的临床试验以确认植物化学物质在改善内皮功能及其安全性方面的功效。另外，应该探索提高生物利用度并提供内皮靶向递送的制剂策略。