Protective effects of Mu-Fang-Ji-Tang against myocardial injury in a murine model of congestive heart failure induced by viral myocarditis

Cardioprotective effects of Moku-boi-to and its impact on AngII-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy

Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, induced by elevated levels of angiotensin II (AngII), plays a crucial role in cardiovascular diseases. Current therapeutic approaches aim to regress cardiac hypertrophy but have limited efficacy. Widely used Japanese Kampo medicines are highly safe and potential therapeutic agents. This study aims to explore the impact and mechanisms by which Moku-boi-to (MBT), a Japanese Kampo medicine, exerts its potential cardioprotective benefits against AngII-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, bridging the knowledge gap and contributing to the development of novel therapeutic strategies. By evaluating the effects of six Japanese Kampo medicines with known cardiovascular efficiency on AngII-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cell death, we identified MBT as a promising candidate. MBT exhibited preventive effects against AngII-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, cell death and demonstrated improvements in intracellular Ca2+ signaling regulation, ROS production, and mitochondrial function. Unexpectedly, experiments combining MBT with the AT1 receptor antagonist losartan suggested that MBT may target the AT1 receptor. In an isoproterenol-induced heart failure mouse model, MBT treatment demonstrated significant effects on cardiac function and hypertrophy. These findings highlight the cardioprotective potential of MBT through AT1 receptor-mediated mechanisms, offering valuable insights into its efficacy in alleviating AngII-induced dysfunction in cardiomyocytes. The study suggests that MBT holds promise as a safe and effective prophylactic agent for cardiac hypertrophy, providing a deeper understanding of its mechanisms for cardioprotection against AngII-induced dysfunction.

Effects of Mokuboito, a Japanese Kampo medicine, on symptoms in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure - A prospective randomized pilot study

BACKGROUND

Although standard treatment for heart failure (HF) has been established, it remains difficult to relieve HF-associated symptoms in some patients. Kampo medicines have been used to treat various diseases; however, it remains unclear whether they are effective in HF patients. We therefore performed a prospective, randomized, controlled trial to investigate whether Mokuboito, a Kampo medicine, affected symptoms and other parameters in hospitalized patients with acute decompensated HF (ADHF), as compared to standard therapy alone.

METHODS

Forty patients were allocated randomly to Group S (standard therapy alone) or Group M (oral administration of Mokuboito plus standard therapy). The primary outcome was changes in global clinical status based on a visual analog scale (VAS) from baseline at day 10 or discharge if earlier.

RESULTS

The decrease in VAS score was significantly greater in Group M than Group S (p=0.001). Although there were no differences between the groups in changes in the secondary endpoints of body weight, peripheral edema, biochemical and echocardiographic parameters, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, and serum total bilirubin levels were significantly reduced in Group M (p=0.038; 0.002, respectively) but not in Group S, implying that Mokuboito might attenuate organ congestion and cardiac preload.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral administration of Mokuboito significantly improved ADHF-related symptoms. Our observations might provide the basis for a novel therapeutic strategy in hospitalized patients with ADHF.

Natural product nitric oxide chemistry: new activity of old medicines

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as a therapy and preventative care measure for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) may prove to be beneficial when used in conjunction with or in place of conventional medicine. However, the lack of understanding of a mechanism of action of many CAMs limits their use and acceptance in western medicine. We have recently recognized and characterized specific nitric oxide (NO) activity of select alternative and herbal medicines that may account for many of their reported health benefits. The ability of certain CAM to restore NO homeostasis both through enhancing endothelial production of NO and by providing a system for reducing nitrate and nitrite to NO as a compensatory pathway for repleting NO bioavailability may prove to be a safe and cost-effective strategy for combating CVD. We will review the current state of science behind NO activity of herbal medicines and their effects on CVD.