Effects of eugenol, an essential oil, on the mechanical and electrical activities of cardiac muscle

The vasodilator effect of Eugenol on uterine artery - potential therapeutic applications in pregnancy-associated hypertension

Preeclampsia, a gestational associated hypertension, has been reported in 6-8% of pregnant women worldwide leading to premature delivery and low birth weight of newborn due to reduced blood flow to placenta. Although several vasodilators (Methyl dopa, hydralazine, β-blockers and diuretics) are currently in use to treat preeclampsia, still there is a search for safer drugs with better efficacy. Lately, antihypertensive vasodilators from natural sources are gaining importance in treating preeclampsia. Eugenol (Eug), a natural essential oil, has been traditionally used in health and food products without any risk. In the present study, ex vivo experiments were designed to examine the vasorelaxation effect of Eug and its signaling pathways in a middle uterine artery (MUA) of pregnant Capra hircus (Ch). In presence of different blockers (L-NAME, indomethacin, ODQ, Ouabain, glibenclamide, 4-AP, Ba2, Carbenoxolone and 18β Glycyrrhetinic acid), Eug-induced concentration-dependent vasorelaxation response was elicited. The results showed that Eug caused a greater vasorelaxation effect in the MU of pregnant animals, which is mediated by potential activation of eNOS, KATP channels, and Kir channels with moderate activation of Na+- K+- ATPase and sGC and MEGJ. These findings provide a strong basis for developing Eug as a therapeutic candidate in the treatment of pregnancy-associated hypertension.

Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases ─ targeting cardiac ion channels

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, imposing an increasing global health burden. Cardiac ion channels (voltage-gated Na_V, Ca_V, K_Vs, and others) synergistically shape the cardiac action potential (AP) and control the heartbeat. Dysfunction of these channels, due to genetic mutations, transcriptional or post-translational modifications, may disturb the AP and lead to arrhythmia, a major risk for CVD patients. Although there are five classes of anti-arrhythmic drugs available, they can have varying levels of efficacies and side effects on patients, possibly due to the complex pathogenesis of arrhythmias. As an alternative treatment option, Chinese herbal remedies have shown promise in regulating cardiac ion channels and providing anti-arrhythmic effects. In this review, we first discuss the role of cardiac ion channels in maintaining normal heart function and the pathogenesis of CVD, then summarize the classification of Chinese herbal compounds, and elaborate detailed mechanisms of their efficacy in regulating cardiac ion channels and in alleviating arrhythmia and CVD. We also address current limitations and opportunities for developing new anti-CVD drugs based on Chinese herbal medicines.

Copper exposure for 30 days at a daily dose twice the recommended increases blood pressure and cardiac contractility

Copper is an essential factor for the body's homeostasis. However, excess copper compromises organic functions.

AIMS

We investigated the effects of copper exposure for 30 days on blood pressure (BP) and cardiac contractility and the putative involvement of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species.

MAIN METHODS

Wistar rats (12 weeks old, 280 g) were randomized to the treated group that was exposed for 30 days to copper (2000 μg/kg/day CuCl₂) and the control (Ct) group that received intraperitoneal saline (0.9%).

KEY FINDINGS

The blood concentration of copper was ~1.26 μg/mL in the copper-exposed group and ~0.024 μg/mL in the Ct group. The main metal accumulations occurred in the liver and kidneys. Copper exposure increased systolic BP (Cu: 141 ± 3 mmHg; Ct: 133 ± 3 mmHg) (tail cuff method), left ventricular systolic pressure and papillary muscle force. Calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum was reduced. The contractile response to Ca²⁺ was increased by copper, and the effect was not altered by L-NAME. Copper increased contractions dependent on sarcolemmal Ca²⁺ influx, and this effect was not altered by L-NAME. The percentage response to isoproterenol decreased in the copper-exposed group, but L-NAME did not alter this reduction. Papillary force development at the peak and plateau of tetanic contractions also increased after copper exposure, but this effect was not altered by L-NAME. In situ detection of OH local production increased.

SIGNIFICANCE

Copper increased BP and cardiac force, increased Ca²⁺ inflow, reduced Ca²⁺ reuptake by the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and increased OH local production. Copper exposure at doses considered tolerable affects cardiac contractility.

Eugenol interacts with cardiac sodium channel and reduces heart excitability and arrhythmias

AIMS

Eugenol is a natural compound found in the essential oils of many aromatic plants. The compound is used as a local anesthetic because of its inhibitory effect on the voltage-gated Na⁺ channels (Na_v), which are expressed in the nociceptive neurons. Eugenol has shown wide range of activities in the cardiovascular system; most of these activities are attributed to the modulation of voltage-sensitive Ca²⁺ channels. However, its action on Na_v1.5, the main subtype of Na_v expressed in the mammalian myocardium, is unknown. The interaction of eugenol with Na_v1.5 could also contribute to its antiarrhythmic properties in vitro and ex vivo. We investigated the compound's effect on sodium current (I_Na) and its possible cardiac antiarrhythmic activity.

METHODS

The effect of eugenol on cardiac contractility was investigated using isolated atrium from guinea pig (for isometric force measurements). The compound's effect on I_Na was evaluated using human embryonic cell transiently expressing human Nav1.5 and patch-clamp technique.

KEY FINDINGS

Eugenol caused negative inotropic and chronotropic effects in the atria. In the ex vivo arrhythmia model, eugenol decreased atrial pacing disturbance induced by ouabain. Eugenol reduced the I_Na in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, the compound left-shifted the stationary inactivation curve, delayed recovery from inactivation of the I_Na, and preferentially blocked the channel in the inactivated state. Importantly, eugenol was able to attenuate the late sodium current. All these aspects are considered to be antiarrhythmic.

SIGNIFICANCE

Overall, our findings demonstrate that eugenol has antiarrhythmic activity due, at least in part, to its interaction with Na_v1.5.

The Role of Essential Oils and Their Main Compounds in the Management of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a global health burden that greatly impact patient quality of life and account for a huge number of deaths worldwide. Despite current therapies, several side effects have been reported that compromise patient adherence; thus, affecting therapeutic benefits. In this context, plant metabolites, namely volatile extracts and compounds, have emerged as promising therapeutic agents. Indeed, these compounds, in addition to having beneficial bioactivities, are generally more amenable and present less side effects, allowing better patient tolerance. The present review is an updated compilation of the studies carried out in the last 20 years on the beneficial potential of essential oils, and their compounds, against major risk factors of CVDs. Overall, these metabolites show beneficial potential through a direct effect on these risk factors, namely hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes, or by acting on related targets, or exerting general cellular protection. In general, monoterpenic compounds are the most studied regarding hypotensive and anti-dyslipidemic/antidiabetic properties, whereas phenylpropanoids are very effective at avoiding platelet aggregation. Despite the number of studies performed, clinical trials are sparse and several aspects related to essential oil’s features, namely volatility and chemical variability, need to be considered in order to guarantee their efficacy in a clinical setting.

Hypotensive and Antihypertensive Properties and Safety for Use of Annona muricata and Persea americana and Their Combination Products

Introduction

In the management of hypertension (a cardiovascular disease and the leading metabolic risk factor in noncommunicable diseases) with herbal medicines, efficacy and safety are of uttermost concern. This study sought to establish hypotensive, antihypertensive, drug interaction, and safety for use of the aqueous leaf extracts of Annona muricata (AME), Persea americana (PAE), or their combination products (CAPE). Methodology. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) were measured in normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats treated with 50-150 mg/kg of AME, PAE, or CAPE to establish a hypotensive effect. "Combination index" was calculated to establish interaction between AME and PAE. The antihypertensive effect of CAPE was established by measuring SBP, DBP, MAP, and HR in ethanol-sucrose- and epinephrine-induced hypertension. Full blood count, liver and kidney function tests, and urinalysis were determined in ethanol/sucrose-induced hypertension to establish safety for use.

Results

AME, PAE, and CAPE significantly (p ≤ 0.001) decreased BP in both normotensive and hypertensive animals. Effects of CAPE 1, CAPE 2, and CAPE 3 were synergistic (combination indices of 0.65 ± 0.07, 0.76 ± 0.09, and 0.87 ± 0.07, respectively). There was a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.01 - 0.001) in SBP and MAP with 100 mg/kg CAPE 1 and 75 mg/kg CAPE 2 treatment in hypertension as well as with nifedipine (p ≤ 0.001) treatment. Epinephrine-induced hypertension in anesthetized cats was significantly and dose-dependently inhibited (p < 0.05 - 0.001) by 25-100 mg/ml CAPE 1 and 37.5-75 mg/ml CAPE 2. CAPE administration had no deleterious effect (p > 0.05) on full blood count, liver and kidney function, and urine composition in hypertensive rats.

Conclusion

The aqueous leaf extracts of Annona muricata, Persea americana, and their combination products possess antihypertensive properties, with combination products showing synergism and safety with use.

Cardiodepressive Effect of Eugenyl Acetate in Rodent Heart

No presente trabalho investigou-se o efeito inotrópico do acetato de eugenil (AE), bem como sua ação sobre a corrente de Ca²⁺ do tipo L (I_Ca,L). Os experimentos de contratilidade foram realizados em átrio esquerdo isolado de cobaia exposto às concentrações crescentes da droga (1 a 5.000μM). O AE reduziu a força de contração atrial (IC₅₀=558±24,06μM) de modo dependente de concentração. O efeito do AE sobre a I_Ca,L também foi avaliado em cardiomiócitos ventriculares isolados de camundongos, utilizando-se a técnica de “patch-clamp”. O AE apresentou um efeito inibitório (IC₅₀=1.337±221μM) sobre os canais de Ca²⁺ sensíveis à voltagem (Ca_V1.2). Em conclusão, o AE apesenta efeito cardiodepressor que se deve, pelo menos em parte, à diminuição da entrada de Ca²⁺ nos cardiomiócitos.

Protective Effects of Phenylpropanoids and Phenylpropanoid-rich Essential Oils on the Cardiovascular System

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of global mortality with a tendency to increase due to population ageing as well as an increase in associated risk factors. Although current therapies improve survival rates, they are associated with several side effects, thus justifying the development of novel preventive and/or therapeutic approaches. In this way, plant metabolites such as essential oils have emerged as promising agents due to their biological effects.

OBJECTIVE

Bearing in mind that several essential oils are characterized by high amounts of phenylpropanoids, which may play a crucial role in the activity of these volatile extracts, a comprehensive and systematic review focusing on the cardiovascular effects of phenylpropanoid-rich essential oils is presented.

METHODS

Popular search engines including PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar were consulted and papers from 2000 onwards were selected. Non-volatile phenylpropanoids were not considered in this review.

RESULTS

A compilation of the current knowledge on this thematic pointed out beneficial effects for volatile phenylpropanoids namely hypotensive, vasorelaxant, antiplatelet aggregation, antidyslipidaemic and antidiabetic, as well as protective properties against ischemia/reperfusion injury and heart hypertrophy.

CONCLUSION

A better understanding of the protective effects of phenylpropanoids on the cardiovascular system is presented, thus paving the way towards future research on plant-based therapies for cardiovascular diseases.

High-Throughput Video Processing of Heart Rate Responses in Multiple Wild-type Embryonic Zebrafish per Imaging Field

Heart rate assays in wild-type zebrafish embryos have been limited to analysis of one embryo per video/imaging field. Here we present for the first time a platform for high-throughput derivation of heart rate from multiple zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos per imaging field, which is capable of quickly processing thousands of videos and ideal for multi-well platforms with multiple fish/well. This approach relies on use of 2-day post fertilization wild-type embryos, and uses only bright-field imaging, circumventing requirement for anesthesia or restraint, costly software/hardware, or fluorescently-labeled animals. Our original scripts (1) locate the heart and record pixel intensity fluctuations generated by each cardiac cycle using a robust image processing routine, and (2) process intensity data to derive heart rate. To demonstrate assay utility, we exposed embryos to the drugs epinephrine and clonidine, which increased or decreased heart rate, respectively. Exposure to organic extracts of air pollution-derived particulate matter, including diesel or biodiesel exhausts, or wood smoke, all complex environmental mixtures, decreased heart rate to varying degrees. Comparison against an established lower-throughput method indicated robust assay fidelity. As all code and executable files are publicly available, this approach may expedite cardiotoxicity screening of compounds as diverse as small molecule drugs and complex chemical mixtures.

Natural Negative Allosteric Modulators of 5-HT₃ Receptors

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remain the most common and devastating side-effects associated with cancer chemotherapy. In recent decades, several lines of research emphasize the importance of 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3; serotonin) receptors in the pathogenesis and treatment of CINV. 5-HT₃ receptors are members of ligand-gated ion channels that mediate the rapid and transient membrane-depolarizing effect of 5-HT in the central and peripheral nervous system. These receptors play important roles in nausea and vomiting, as well as regulation of peristalsis and pain transmission. The development of antagonists for 5-HT₃ receptor dramatically improved the treatment of CINV in cancer patients. In fact, the most common use of 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists to date is the treatment of nausea and vomiting. In recent years, there has been an increasing tendency to use natural plant products as important therapeutic entities in the treatment of various diseases. In this article, we examined the results of earlier studies on the actions of natural compounds on the functional properties of 5-HT₃ receptors. It is likely that these natural modulators of 5-HT₃ receptors can be employed as lead structures for the synthesis of therapeutic agents for treating CINV in future clinical studies.

Studies on curative efficacy of monoterpene eugenol on anti- leukemic drug arsenic trioxide induced cardiotoxicity

BACKGROUND

Arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃) is emerging as a frontline agent for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) but the therapeutic application is limited by its toxicity. QT prolongation, torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death have been implicated in the As₂O₃ therapy. So eugenol is a monoterpene compound is well known for its antioxidant properties and protective effect on the cardiovascular system.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the cardioprotective effect of eugenol on cardiac electrical conductivity, tissue electrolytes, myocardial markers, antioxidant system, lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide production was investigated in male Wistar rats treated with arsenic trioxide.

RESULTS

The Inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopic (ICP-OES) analysis pointed out the accumulation of arsenic in heart tissue. The rats administered with arsenic trioxide (4mg/kg body wt) exhibited myocardial damage that was manifested by the elevation of cardiac markers (LDH, CK-MB) enzymes and deterioration in the antioxidant enzymes (GSH, GST, GPx). Combination treatment with eugenol (5mg/kg of body wt) upholds the tissue antioxidant level, Na⁺/K⁺ - ATPase and Ca^2+- ATPase activity and brings the cytosolic Ca^2+, K⁺ and Na ⁺ levels near to normal value. Conjoined therapy with eugenol ameliorated the membrane peroxidation, restored the normal heart rate and rectified the prolongation of QT interval in the electrocardiogram. Histological examination of cardiac segments also supported the beneficial role of eugenol against arsenic-induced oxidative damages.

CONCLUSION

Our in vivo experimental findings suggest that monoterpenoid eugenol could be a potent and novel cytoprotective agent of clinical application against As₂O₃ induced cardiotoxicity.

Eugenol dilates mesenteric arteries and reduces systemic BP by activating endothelial cell TRPV4 channels

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Eugenol, a vanilloid molecule found in some dietary plants, relaxes vasculature in part via an endothelium-dependent process; however, the mechanisms involved are unclear. Here, we investigated the endothelial cell-mediated mechanism by which eugenol modulates rat mesenteric artery contractility and systemic BP.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The isometric tension of rat mesenteric arteries (size 200-300 μm) was measured using wire myography; non-selective cation currents (ICat ) were recorded in endothelial cells using patch clamp electrophysiology. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were determined in anaesthetized rats.

KEY RESULTS

Eugenol relaxed endothelium-intact arteries in a concentration-dependent manner and this effect was attenuated by endothelium denudation. L-NAME, a NOS inhibitor, a combination of TRAM-34 and apamin, selective blockers of intermediate and small conductance Ca(2+) -activated K(+) channels, respectively, and HC-067047, a TRPV4 channel inhibitor, but not indomethacin, a COX inhibitor, reduced eugenol-induced relaxation in endothelium-intact arteries. Eugenol activated HC-067047-sensitive ICat in mesenteric artery endothelial cells. Short interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated TRPV4 knockdown abolished eugenol-induced ICat activation. An i.v. injection of eugenol caused an immediate, transient reduction in both MAP and HR, which was followed by prolonged, sustained hypotension in anaesthetized rats. This sustained hypotension was blocked by HC-067047.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Eugenol activates TRPV4 channels in mesenteric artery endothelial cells, leading to vasorelaxation, and reduces systemic BP in vivo. Eugenol may be therapeutically useful as an antihypertensive agent and is a viable molecular candidate from which to develop second-generation TRPV4 channel activators that reduce BP.

Effects of monoterpenes on ion channels of excitable cells

Monoterpenes are a structurally diverse group of phytochemicals and a major constituent of plant-derived 'essential oils'. Monoterpenes such as menthol, carvacrol, and eugenol have been utilized for therapeutical purposes and food additives for centuries and have been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic actions. In recent years there has been increasing interest in understanding the pharmacological actions of these molecules. There is evidence indicating that monoterpenes can modulate the functional properties of several types of voltage and ligand-gated ion channels, suggesting that some of their pharmacological actions may be mediated by modulations of ion channel function. In this report, we review the literature concerning the interaction of monoterpenes with various ion channels.

Effects of eugenol on resting tension of rat atria

In cardiac and skeletal muscle, eugenol (μM range) blocks excitation-contraction coupling. In skeletal muscle, however, larger doses of eugenol (mM range) induce calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The effects of eugenol are therefore dependent on its concentration. In this study, we evaluated the effects of eugenol on the contractility of isolated, quiescent atrial trabeculae from male Wistar rats (250-300 g; n=131) and measured atrial ATP content. Eugenol (1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 mM) increased resting tension in a dose-dependent manner. Ryanodine [100 µM; a specific ryanodine receptor (RyR) blocker] and procaine (30 mM; a nonspecific RyR blocker) did not block the increased resting tension induced by eugenol regardless of whether extracellular calcium was present. The myosin-specific inhibitor 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM), however, reversed the increase in resting tension induced by eugenol. In Triton-skinned atrial trabeculae, in which all membranes were solubilized, eugenol did not change resting tension, maximum force produced, or the force vs pCa relationship (pCa=-log [Ca²⁺]). Given that eugenol reduced ATP concentration, the increase in resting tension observed in this study may have resulted from cooperative activation of cardiac thin filaments by strongly attached cross-bridges (rigor state).

Possible mechanisms of action of the hypotensive effect of Annona muricata (soursop) in normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats

CONTEXT

Annona muricata Linn (Annonaceae) (soursop) is a food plant reported to have antihypertensive properties.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the blood pressure reducing effect of its aqueous leaf extract and the possible mechanisms that may be responsible.

METHODS

Intravenous administration of an aqueous leaf extract (9.17-48.5 mg/kg) of A. muricata on the mean arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded invasively on anaesthetized, normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats. Contractile responses of rat aortic rings to the extract (0.5-4.0 mg/mL) were studied using standard organ bath techniques.

RESULTS

A. muricata (9.17-48.5 mg/kg) caused significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent reduction in blood pressure without affecting the heart rates. The hypotensive effects were unaffected by atropine (2 mg/kg), mepyramine (5 mg/kg), propranolol (1 mg/kg) and L-NAME (5 mg/kg). A. muricata leaf aqueous extract significantly (p < 0.05) relaxed phenylephrine (10(-9)-10(-4) M) and 80 mM KCl induced contractions in endothelium intact and denuded aortic rings; and caused a significant (p < 0.05) rightward shift of the Ca(2+) dose response curves in Ca(2+)-free Kreb's solution containing 0.1 mM EGTA.

CONCLUSIONS

The hypotensive effects of A. muricata are not mediated through muscarinic, histaminergic, adrenergic and nitric oxide pathways, but through peripheral mechanisms involving antagonism of Ca(2+).

Characterizing the effects of Eugenol on neuronal ionic currents and hyperexcitability

RATIONALE

Eugenol (EUG, 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol), the main component of essential oil extracted from cloves, has various uses in medicine because of its potential to modulate neuronal excitability. However, its effects on the ionic mechanisms remains incompletely understood.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate EUG's effects on neuronal ionic currents and excitability, especially on voltage-gated ion currents, and to verify the effects on a hyperexcitability-temporal lobe seizure model.

METHODS

With the aid of patch-clamp technology, we first investigated the effects of EUG on ionic currents in NG108-15 neuronal cells differentiated with cyclic AMP. We then used modified Pinsky-Rinzel simulation modeling to evaluate its effects on spontaneous action potentials (APs). Finally, we investigated its effects on pilocarpine-induced seizures in rats.

RESULTS

EUG depressed the transient and late components of I(Na) in the neurons. It not only increased the degree of I(Na) inactivation, but specifically suppressed the non-inactivating I(Na) (I(Na(NI))). Its inhibition of I (Na(NI)) was reversed by tefluthrin. In addition, EUG diminished L-type Ca(2+) current and delayed rectifier K(+) current only at higher concentrations. EUG's effects on APs frequency reduction was verified by the simulation modeling. In pilocarpine-induced seizures, the EUG-treated rats showed no shorter seizure latency but a lower seizure severity and mortality than the control rats. The EUG's effect on seizure severity was occluded by the I(Na(NI)) antagonist riluzole.

CONCLUSION

The synergistic blocking effects of I (Na) and I(Na(NI)) contributes to the main mechanism through which EUG affects the firing of neuronal APs and modulate neuronal hyperexcitability such as pilocarpine-induced temporal lobe seizures.

Fractionation of a herbal antidiarrheal medicine reveals eugenol as an inhibitor of Ca2+-Activated Cl- channel TMEM16A

The Ca²⁺-activated Cl⁻ channel TMEM16A is involved in epithelial fluid secretion, smooth muscle contraction and neurosensory signaling. We identified a Thai herbal antidiarrheal formulation that inhibited TMEM16A Cl⁻ conductance. C18-reversed-phase HPLC fractionation of the herbal formulation revealed >98% of TMEM16A inhibition activity in one out of approximately 20 distinct peaks. The purified, active compound was identified as eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol), the major component of clove oil. Eugenol fully inhibited TMEM16A Cl⁻ conductance with single-site IC₅₀∼150 µM. Eugenol inhibition of TMEM16A in interstitial cells of Cajal produced strong inhibition of intestinal contraction in mouse ileal segments. TMEM16A Cl⁻ channel inhibition adds to the list of eugenol molecular targets and may account for some of its biological activities.

Eugenol: A Natural Compound with Versatile Pharmacological Actions

Eugenol, the major constituent of clove oil, has been widely used for its anesthetic and analgesic action in dentistry. Eugenol exhibits pharmacological effects on almost all systems and our aim is to review the research work that has identified these pharmacological actions. Eugenol possesses significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular properties, in addition to analgesic and local anesthetic activity. The metabolism and pharmacokinetics of the compound in humans have been studied. Eugenol has also been used as a penetration enhancer. The compound is a very promising candidate for versatile applications, and the design of new drugs based on the pharmacological effects of eugenol could be beneficial.

Effect of Acori graminei Rhizoma on contractile dysfunction of ischemic and reperfused rat heart

Acori graminei Rhizoma is one of the best-known traditional herbal medicines frequently used for the treatment of cardiovascular symptoms in Asian countries. The anti-ischemic effect of Acori graminei Rhizoma on ischemia-induced isolated rat heart was investigated through analysis of changes in perfusion pressure, aortic flow, coronary flow, and cardiac output. The subjects in this study were divided into two groups, an ischemia-induced group without any treatment (I), and an ischemia-induced group with Acori graminei Rhizoma treatment (I+AGR). There were no significant differences in perfusion pressure, aortic flow, coronary flow, or cardiac output between the two groups before ischemia was induced. The supply of oxygen and buffer was stopped for 10 min to induce ischemia in isolated rat hearts, and Acori graminei Rhizoma was administered while inducing ischemia. The data showed that Acori graminei Rhizoma treatment significantly prevented decreases in perfusion pressure, aortic flow, coronary flow, and cardiac output under an ischemic condition. In addition, hemodynamics (except heart rate) of the AGR-treated group was significantly recovered 60 min after reperfusion compared to the control group, (systolic aortic pressure: 85.5% vs. 62.5%, aortic flow volume: 68.1% vs. 49.4%, coronary flow volume: 86.8% vs. 60.1%, and cardiac output: 73.1% vs. 54.1%, p<0.01). These results suggest that Acori graminei Rhizoma has distinct anti-ischemic effects.