Ten years' research on a cardiovascular tonic: a comprehensive approach-from quality control and mechanisms of action to clinical trial

Salviae miltiorrhizae radix and puerariae lobatae radix herbal formula improves circulation, vascularization and gait function in a peripheral arterial disease rat model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

DG is a herbal formula, containing the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) and the root of Pueraria lobate (Willd.) Ohwi (Gegen), has a history of usage in China for cardiovascular protection and anti-atherosclerosis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aims to determine the beneficial effect of DG on the hind-limb ischemia rat model which mimics peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and its vasodilative effect on isolated femoral artery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The vasodilatory effects were assessed by contractile responses to DG in the isolated femoral artery and its underlying mechanisms were evaluated by the involvement of endothelium, potassium channel and calcium channel. For hind-limb ischemia study, treatment outcomes were assessed by evaluating hind-limb blood flow, functional limb recovery, muscle histology and angiogenesis.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated positive dose-dependent vasodilatory response to DG via an endothelium-independent mechanism that involved inwardly rectifying K⁺ channels and Ca²⁺ channels. We also demonstrated significant improvement in blood perfusion and micro-vessel density in the ischemic limb and positive effects in functional limb recovery.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our study supported the potential use of DG as a novel treatment for symptomatic PAD.

Effect of Diterpene Manool on the Arterial Blood Pressure and Vascular Reactivity in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats

BACKGROUND

Many studies have shown that the diterpenoid classes exert a significant effect on the cardiovascular system. Diterpenes, in particular, are among the main compound links to cardiovascular properties such as vasorelaxant, inotropic, diuretic and hypotensive activity. While the manool vasorelaxation mechanism is visible, its effect on blood pressure (BP) is still unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the in vivo hypotensive effect of manool and check the ex vivo vasorelaxation effect in rat aortic rings.

METHODS

The animals were divided randomly into two groups: normotensive and hypertensive. The normotensive group was sham-operated, and the 2K1C model was adopted for the hypertensive group. Invasive BP monitoring was performed for manool tests at different doses (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg). Concentration-response curves for manool were obtained in the aorta rings, with endothelium, pre-contracted with phenylephrine (Phe) after incubation with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester(L-NAME) or oxadiazole [4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). Nitric oxide (NOx) plasma levels were measured by chemiluminescence assay.

RESULTS

After manool administration, BP was reduced in normotensive and hypertensive groups, and this effect was inhibited by L-NAME in hypertensive animals only in 10 mg/kg dose. Ex vivo manool promoted vasorelaxation, which was inhibited by L-NAME and ODQ incubation or endothelium removal. NOx plasma levels increased in the hypertensive group after manool administration. Manool elicits endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation in rat aorta mediated by the NO/cGMP signaling pathway and BP reduction, also by NOx plasma increase. These combined effects could be involved in modulating peripheral resistance, contributing to the antihypertensive effect of diterpene.

CONCLUSION

These effects together could be involved in modulating peripheral resistance, contributing to the antihypertensive effect of diterpene.

The Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the Management of Fibroids and Associated Symptomatology

This article discusses the role of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the management of fibroids and associated symptomatology. Since there is such a paucity of direct research related to fibroids, conditions that are implicated in the causation of uterine fibroids and symptomatology that CAM treatments may or have been shown to make a difference are also considered.