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FEATURING: A. VENETUM L. • ACHILLEA • AGASTACHE MEXICANA • ALISMA ORIENTALIS(SAM.)JUZEP. • ALLIUM SATIVUM • ANTRODIA CAMPHORATA • ARONIA MITCHURINII • ARTEMISIA HERBA ALBA • ARTEMISIA SCOPARZA WALDST.ET KIT • ASTRAGALUS COMPLANATUS • ASTRAGALUS MEMBRANACEUS • AVERRHOA ARAMBOLA • BORAGO OFFICINALIS • BUDDLEJA CRISPA • CALYCOTOME VILLOSA • CAROM CAPTICUM • CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS L. • CASSIA SEED • CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS • CECROPIA PACHYSTACHYA • CIRSIUM JAPONICUM • CITRUS LIMETTA • CLERODENDRON TRICHOTOMUM • COCOS NUCIFERA • COPTIS CHINENSIS FRANCH • CORIANDRUM SATIVUM • COSCINIUM FENESTRATUM • CRATAEGUS PINNATIFIDA BUNGE • CROCUS SATIVUS • CUDRANIA TRICUSPIDATA • CUSCUTA JAPONICA • ECHINODORUS GRANDIFLORUS • EKEBERGIA CAPENSIS • ELETTARIA CARDAMOMUM • EPIMEDIUM BREVICORNUM MAXIM. • ERRACHIDIA PROVINCE • EUCOMMIA ULMOIDES OLIVER • EUGENIA UNIFLORA • EUODIA RUTAECARPA (JUSS.)BENT • FICUS DELTOIDEA VAR. KUNSTLERI • FICUS EXASPERATE • FRITILLARIA USSURIENSIS MAXIM • GANODERMA LUCIDUM SPORE POWDER • GASTRODIA ELATA BL • GASTRODIA ELATA BLUME • GEUM JAPONICUM • GINKGO BILOBA L. • GLOBIMETULA CUPULATA • GRAPTOPETALUM PARAGUAYENSE • GUAZUMA ULMIFOLIA • GYNURA PROCUMBENS • HALIOTIDIS CONCHA • HARPEPHYLLUM CAFFRUM BERNH • HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA • HORDEURN VULGARE L • HYPTIS FRUTICOSA • JACARANDA MIMOSAEFOLIA • JATROPHA GOSSYPIIFOLIA • LAELIA ANCEPS • LAELIA AUTUMNALIS • LAMINARIA JAPONICA ARESCH. • LEONURUS JAPONICUS HOUTT • LEPECHINIA CAULESCENS • LEPIDIUM SATIVUM • LILIUM LANCIFOLIUM THUNB. • LORANTHUS FERRUGINEUS • LYCIUM BARBARUM L. • LYCIUM CHINENSE MILL. • LYCOPUS LUCIDUS TURCZ.VAT.HIRTUS REGEL • MADERASPATANA • MELOTHRIA • MOMORDICA CHARANTIA • MONASCUS PURPUREUS WENT. • NIGELLA SATIVA • OENOTHERA BIENNIS • OPHIOPOGON JAPONICUS (LINN. F.) KER-GAWL. • PANAX GINSENG • PANAX GINSENG C. A. MEYER • PANAX PSEUDO-GINSENG • PASSIFLORA EDULIS RIND • PERIPLOCA LAEVIGATA • PERSEA AMERICANA MILL • PHYLLANTHUS ACIDUS • PHYLLANTHUS URINARIA • PINELLIA TERNATA( THUNB.) BREIT • PLEUROTUS NEBRODENSIS • POLYALTHIA LONGIFOLIA • POLYGONUM CUSPIDATUM SIEB.ET ZUCC. • PRUNELLA VULGARIS L. • PUERARIA LOBATA (WILLD.) OHWI • RADIX BUPLEURI • RAPHANUS SATIVUS • REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA (GAETN.) LIBOSCH. EX FISCH. ET MEY • RETAMA RAETAM FORSSK • RHEUM PALMATUM L． • SALVIA CINNABARINA • SALVIA MILTIORRHIZA BGE • SAURURUS CHINENSIS • SCHISANDRA CHINENSIS • SCLEROCARYA BIRREA • SCROPHULARIAE RADIX • SCUTELLARIAE RADIX • SIEGESBECKIA ORIENTALIS L. • SOLANUM TORVUM • SOPHORA JAPONICA L. • TANACETUM VULGARE • TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS • TROPAEOLUM MAJUS • UNCARIA RHYNCHOPHYLLA • VALERIANA WALLICHII

SCIENCE & INGREDIENTS:

A. venetum L.

Effects of aqueous extracts of Apocynum venetum leaves on spontaneously hypertensive, renal hypertensive and NaCl-fed-hypertensive rats

Effects of aqueous extracts of Apocynum venetum leaves (Luobuma extracts) on the blood pressure were evaluated in hypertensive animal models, such as spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), renal hypertensive rats and NaCl-induced hypertensive rats. In SHR, administration of Luobuma (heat-processed and unprocessed leaves) extracts at a dose of 70 mg/rat per day significantly decreased the systolic blood pressure value, but their decreasing effects were weaker than that of captopril. The urine volume, and the urinary Na⁺, K⁺ and protein excretions were not significantly different between Luobuma-treated and untreated groups. In 3/4 nephrectomized rats, the Luobuma extracts significantly decreased the systolic blood pressure value, accompanied by significant increases of the urine volume and the urinary Na⁺ and K⁺ excretions. Furthermore, they decreased the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level. In NaCl-induced hypertensive rats, the Luobuma extract decreased the systolic blood pressure value. However, it did not change the urinary excretions of Na⁺, K⁺ and protein. The BUN level was lower than that of control rats, but the serum total cholesterol (TC) level did not changed. From these findings, the Luobuma extracts have an anti-hypertensive effect, possibly due to amelioration of the kidney functions in the three experimental animal models.

Achillea

Hypotensive mechanism of the extracts and artemetin isolated from Achillea millefoliumL .(Asteraceae)in rats

Traditional uses of Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae) include the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, we used anesthetized rats to assess the hypotensive effect of a hydroethanolic extract (HEAM), and its dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EA), butanolic (BT), and dichloromethane-2 (DCM-2) fractions, besides the flavonoid artemetin, isolated from A. millefolium. The oral administra- tion of HEAM (100–300 mg/kg), DCM (20 mg/kg), DCM-2 (10–30 mg/kg), but not EA (10 mg/kg) and BT (50 mg/kg) fractions significantly reduced the mean arterial pressure (MAP) of normotensive rats. The phytochemical analysis by NMR 1H of DCM and DCM-2 fractions revealed high amounts of artemetin, that was isolated and administered by either oral (1.5 mg/kg) or intravenous (0.15–1.5 mg/kg) routes in rats. This flavonoid was able to dose-dependently reduce the MAP, up to 11.47 ± 1.5 mm Hg (1.5 mg/kg, i.v.). To investigate if artemetin-induced hypotension was related to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition, we evaluated the influence of this flavonoid on the vascular effects of both angiotensin I and bradykinin. Intravenous injection of artemetin (0.75 mg/kg) significantly reduced the hyperten- sive response to angiotensin I while increased the average length of bradykinin-induced hypotension. Artemetin (1.5 mg/kg, p.o.) was also able to reduce plasma (about 37%) and vascular (up to 63%) ACE activity in vitro, compared to control group. On the other hand, artemetin did not change angiotensin II-induced hypertension. Our study is the first showing the hypotensive effects induced by the extract and fractions obtained from A. millefollium. In addition, our results disclosed that this effect may be, at least in part, associated with high levels of artemetin and its ability to decrease angiotensin II generation in vivo, by ACE inhibition.

Agastache Mexicana

Antihypertensive and vasorelaxant effects of tilianin isolated from Agastache mexicana are mediated by NO/cGMP pathway and potassium channel opening

Current investigation was undertaken to elucidate the mode of action of tilianin, isolated from Agastache mexicana, as a vasorelaxant agent on in vitro functional rat thoracic aorta test and to investigate the in vivo antihypertensive effect on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Tilianin (0.002-933 microM) induced significant relaxation in a concentration- and endothelium-dependent and -independent manners in aortic rings pre-contracted with noradrenaline (NA, 0.1 microM), and serotonin (5-HT, 100 microM). Effect was more significant (p < 0.05) in endothelium-intact (+E) aorta rings than when endothelium was removed(E). Pre-treatment with N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 10 microM) or 1-H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo-[4,3a]-quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 1 microM) produced a significant change of the relaxant response and activity was markedly inhibited, but not by indomethacin (10 microM) or atropine (1 microM). Furthermore, tilianin (130 microM) provoked a significant displacement to the left in the relaxation curve induced by sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 0.32 nM to 0.1 microM). Moreover, tilianin induced significant in vitro NO overproduction (1.49 +/- 0.86 microM of nitrites/g of tissue) in rat aorta compared with vehicle (p < 0.05). In addition, pre-treatment with tetraethylammonium (TEA, 5 mM) and 2-aminopyridine (2-AP, 0.1 microM) shifted to the right the relaxant curve induced by tilianin (p < 0.05). Finally, a single oral administration of tilianin (50 mg/kg) exhibited a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p < 0.05) in SHR model. Results indicate that tilianin mediates relaxation mainly by an endothelium-dependent manner,probably due to NO release, and also through an endothelium-independent pathway by opening K+ channels, both causing the antihypertensive effect.

Astragalus membranaceus

Merit of Astragalus polysaccharide in the improvement of early diabetic nephropathy with an effect on mRNA expressions of NF-κB and IκB in renal cortex of streptozotoxin-induced diabetic rats

Alisma orientalis(Sam.)Juzep.

Oryeongsan (Wulingsan), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, induces natriuresis and diuresis along with an inhibition of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Oryeongsan (ORS, Wulingsan), a formula composed of five herbal medicines, has long been used for the treatment of impairments of the regulation of body fluid homeostasis in China, Japan and Korea.

Aim of the study

The purpose of the present study was to test the effects of ORS on the renal function and the mechanisms involved in rats.

Materials and methods

Experiments were performed in rats caged individually. Renal function and plasma levels of renin activity and aldosterone concentration were measured.

Results

Treatment of ORS resulted in increases in urinary volume, excretion of Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl⁻, and glomerular filtration rate, and decreases in urinary osmolality and Na⁺ balance. Further, ORS decreased plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentration. An increase in urinay excretion of Na⁺ was a function of glomerular filtration rate, while the increase in the day-time period was related with the increase in the ratio of urinary Na⁺/K⁺.

Conclusion

Therefore, the present results suggest that ORS induces diuresis and natriuresis via inhibition of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system in rats.

Allium sativum

Garlic extract reduces serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity in nondiabetic and streptozotocin-diabetic rats

The rennin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been implicated in the development of diabetic vascular complications. Peptidyl-dipeptidase A (angiotensin converting enzyme, ACE) has a major role in this system. The aim of the present study was to clarify the effect of intraperitoneal administration of aqueous garlic extract (Allium sativum) on the serum ACE activity of streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic and nondiabetic rats. Although garlic extract administration had no significant effect on serum glucose, it significantly strongly decreased the serum ACE activity. ACE activity was higher in diabetic than nondiabetic rats, but in diabetic animals treated with garlic extract, the elevation of ACE activity did not occur. These results suggest that garlic extract might have value as ACE inhibitor to prevent some vascular complications of diabetes mellitus.

Antrodia camphorata

The vasorelaxation of Antrodia camphorata mycelia: involvement of endothelial Ca(2+)-NO-cGMP pathway

Antrodia camphorata, a medicinal fungus, has been used to treat cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension for many years. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of mycelia extracts, from five Antrodia camphorata strains, on vascular tension and underlying mechanisms were explored. In isolated rat aortic rings, accession B86 caused concentration-dependent vasorelaxation with maximal relaxation of 40.34 +/- 7.53% whereas accessions 35398, 35396 and B71 had mild vasorelaxing effects. Strain B85 evoked potent vasorelaxation, partly through an endothelium-dependent mechanism that was inhibited by Nomega-nitro-L-arginine and 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-1-one (ODQ) but not by antagonist of K+ channels, tetraethylammonium. In cultured endothelial cells, B85 stimulated nitric oxide (NO) release and augmented the level of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. HPLC and LC-MS-MS analysis revealed the presence of adenosine. Our results suggest that B85 produced strongest vasorelaxation in aortic preparations among five test strains. B85 acts in part on endothelial cells by activating the Ca(2+)-NO-cGMP pathway to reduce smooth muscle tone. However, K+ channels had no apparent roles. Adenosine could possibly be involved in the endothelium-dependent pathway of B85-induced vasorelaxation.

Aronia mitchurinii

blood pressure-lowering properties of chokeberry (Aronia mitchurinii, var. Viking)

The blood pressure-lowering properties of lyophilized chokeberry juice and polyphenols were monitored using in vitro angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition measurement and a 10day in vivo study with spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Juice and polyphenols indicated weak ACE-inhibitory activity. The IC ₅₀ values for polyphenols and juice were 1.5–2.5 and 4.5mg dry matter/ml, respectively. In the SHR study the blood pressure-lowering effects of juice and polyphenol extract seemed to be short-term and were generally highest after 3h from administration (50mg/kg/day) when mean reductions in systolic blood pressure were 20±8 and 15±7mmHg, respectively. Corresponding mean decreases in diastolic blood pressure were 23±6 and 13±2mm Hg in juice and polyphenol groups, respectively. It was concluded that both chokeberry juice and polyphenols had blood pressure-lowering effects. We hypothesize that chokeberry polyphenols enhance endothelial nitric oxide production with an ACE-independent mechanism, e.g. by activation of endothelial nitric oxidase enzyme; this is yet to be verified.

Artemisia herba alba

Cardiovascular effect of Artemisia herba alba aqueous extract in spontaneously hypertensive rats

This study aimed to evaluate the hypotensive activity of Artemisia herba alba aqueous extract (AHAE) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). AHAE was lyophilized and administered daily at a dose of 150 mg/kg for 20 days. AHAE administration produced a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure after 8 days of oral administration (P < 0.01), and a sustained reduction was observed at the end of treatment (P < 0.01). Heart rate remained unchanged during the 20 days of oral AHAE administration. In addition, AHAE administration produced a significant increase in urinary output (P < 0.01) and glomerular filtration rate (P < 0.01) on day 8 of treatment. Urinary electrolyte excretion was also modified during the 20 days of AHAE administration, and a significant increase in urinary sodium and potassium excretion was observed from day 4 (P < 0.01) to day 20 (P < 0.001). However, urinary chloride excretion was increased from day 8 (P < 0.01) to the end of treatment (P < 0.001). The hypotensive effect appeared to be independent of the renin–angiotensin system since AHAE did not affect plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme or renin activities (P > 0.05) after 20 days of oral administration. We conclude that AHAE possesses antihypertensive activity in SHR and that the underlying mechanism appears to involve, at least in part, an increase in urine and electrolyte output.

Astragalus complanatus

Effect of total flavonoid fraction of Astragalus complanatus R. Brown on angiotensin II-induced portal-vein contraction in hypertensive rats

The objective of the present study was to examine further the underlying mechanism of the antihypertensive effect of the total flavonoid (TF), extracted from the seed of Astragalus complanatus R.Brown. Renovascular hypertension rats (RHR) were established by the two-kidney one clip (2K1C) method. The effect of TF on the contraction of portal vein was studied in an isolated preparation. The response of portal vein to angiotensin II (Ang II) was expressed as a percentage of the 100 mmol/l KCl induced maximum contraction. We took the dose-response curve of portal vein to Ang II (from 10(-9) to 10(-6) mmol/l) as the control and then observed the change of curve after TF and Valsartan (Ang II receptor blocker) administration. Ang II induced a concentration-dependent increase of the contraction amplitude (maximal increase, 46.53+/-5.15% of 100 mmol/l KCl induced contraction at Ang II 10(-6) mmol/l in RHR). The Ang II-induced portal vein contraction was prevented by TF with a concentration related manner (maximal inhibition amplitude from 46.53+/-5.15% to 22.525+/-4.67% of 100 mmol/l KCl contraction at 10(-6)mmol/l Ang II and 3.12 x 10(-1) mg/l TF in RHR). The effect of TF on Ang II-induced portal vein contraction was similar to Valsartan. These results showed that the antihypertensive action of TF was attributed to the dilation of vessels and is related to the blockade of the Ang II receptor.

Artemisia scoparza Waldst.et Kit

Antihypertensive Effects of Artemisia scoparia Waldst in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats and Identification of Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

We investigated the antihypertensive effects of Artemisia scoparia (AS) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The rats were fed diets containing 2% (w/w) hot water extracts of AS aerial parts for 6 weeks. The AS group had significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels than the control group. The AS group also had lower angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) activity and angiotensin II content in serum compared to the control group. The AS group showed higher vascular endothelial growth factor and lower ras homolog gene family member A expression levels in kidney compared to the control group. The AS group had significantly lower levels of plasma lipid oxidation and protein carbonyls than the control group. One new and six known compounds were isolated from AS by guided purification. The new compound was determined to be 4′-O-β-D-glucopyranoyl (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl benzoate, based on its nuclear magnetic resonance and electrospray ionization-mass spectroscopy data.

Borago officinalis

Pharmacological basis for the use of Borago officinalis in gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders

Buddleja crispa

Presence of blood-pressure lowering and spasmolytic constituents in Buddleja crispa

This aim of this study was to investigate the crude extract of Buddleja crispa (Bc.Cr) and its active constituent(s) for their antihypertensive and antispasmodic activities. The Bc.Cr caused a dose-dependent (3-10 mg/kg) fall in mean arterial pressure in rats under anesthesia. In rabbit aorta preparations, Bc.Cr (0.03-1 mg/mL) caused inhibition of high K(+) (80 mM) precontractions. The Bc.Cr (0.03-1 mg/mL) also inhibited spontaneous and high K(+) precontractions in rabbit jejunum preparations, suggestive of calcium channel blocking (CCB) activity. CCB activity was further confirmed when pretreatment of the tissues with Bc.Cr (0.03-0.10 mg/mL) caused a rightward shift in Ca(++) concentration response curves, similar to verapamil. Among the pure compounds, BdI-H3 was more potent against the high K(+) than spontaneous contractions and was around eight times more potent than Bc.Cr against the spontaneous contractions while the other two compounds, BdI-2 and BH-3 were inactive. Activity-directed fractionation revealed that the hexane fraction was more potent against K(+) precontractions. These data indicate that Bc.Cr possesses a blood-pressure lowering effect, mediated possibly through CCB, though additional mechanism(s) cannot be ruled out. Among the pure compounds, Bdl-H3 is likely to be the active compound involved in the spasmolytic and possibly BP lowering effect of the parent crude extract.

Cassia Seed

Diuretic and antioxidant activities of the aqueous extract of leaves of Cassia occidentalis (Linn.) in rats

Objective

To assess the putative diuretic and antioxidant properties of Cassia occidentalis (C. occidentalis) leaves’ aqueous extract.

Methods

Adult rats were administered with C. occidentalis leaves aqueous extract acutely (24 h) and subchronically (7 d), at doses 80, 160, 240, 320, and 400 mg/kg (per os). Negative control group received only an equivalent volume of distilled water, while the two positive control groups received the diuretic drugs furosemide (20 mg/kg, ip.) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) (20 mg/kg, ip.). Urinary elimination of electrolytes in response to treatments was evaluated, together with changes in concentrations of creatinine, urea, aldosterone, glucose, and albumin in urine and plasma. Various urinary indicators of kidney function and plasmatic markers of oxidative stress were also assessed.

Results

The acute administration of C. occidentalis increased the urinary excretion of 107.58% at the higher dose tested, compared to negative control. The reference drugs furosemide and HCTZ induced increases of 84.27% and 48.05%, respectively. Acutely, the extract induced Na⁺ and Cl⁻ elimination, whereas subchronically an increase in K⁺ elimination was also observed. The extract also improved the kidney function indexes and oxidative stress markers. These effects were dose-dependent and comparable with positive control observations.

Conclusions

Our findings strongly suggest that C. occidentalis aqueous extract has diuretic and antioxidant activities, and deserves further studies considering the potential for the treatment of hypertension.

Calycotome villosa

Pharmacological studies on hypotensive, diureticand vasodilator activities of chrysin glucoside fromCalycotome villosa in rats

The present study was undertaken in normotensive anaesthetized male rats that received a continuous perfusionof a chrysin glucoside isolated from the flowers and leaves of Calycotome villosa subsp intermedia at a doseof 2.5 mg/kg, or furosemide (control diuretic) at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg. Compared with the control rats receivingNaCl (0.9%), the urine flow, glomerular filtration and electrolyte excretion (Na+++++, K+++++) increased significantlyin rats treated with chrysin glucoside (p<<<<< 0.001). A similar effect was observed in the rats perfused withfurosemide. Intravenous injections of bolus doses (1– 3 mg/kg) of the chrysin glucoside to anaesthetized ratselicited an immediate and dose-dependent decrease in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP). Pretreatmentof the rats with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L-NOArg (10 mg/kg), reduced partially, but significantly(p<<<<< 0.01), the maximal decrease in MABP elicited by chrysin glucoside. In the rat isolated aorta prepara-tion, chrysin glucoside (10 –100μμμμμM) inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the noradrenaline (1μμμμμM)induced contractions (IC50===== 52μμμμμM). This relaxant activity of chrysin glucoside was significantly reduced byincubation of the endothelium-intact rings with L-NOArg (100μμμμμM), (80 ±±±±± 4.7% vs 48 ±±±±± 5.06% in the absenceof L-NOArg). In conclusion, these results demonstrate a diuretic and hypotensive action of a chrysin glucosidefrom Calycotome villosa in anaesthetized rats and indicating an action on renal function, and an activevascular relaxation mediated partially through nitric oxide release.

Carthamus tinctorius L.

Pharmacological potential of the combination of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) and Carthamus tinctorius (Honghua) for diabetes mellitus and its cardiovascular complications

Metabolic syndrome, such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure (HBP), are closely linked pathophysiologically. However, current monotherapies for metabolic syndrome fail to target the multifactorial pathology via multiple mechanisms, as well as resolving the dysfunctionality of the cells and organs of the body. We aimed to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the pharmacological advances, therapeutic potential, and phytochemistry of Salvia miltiorrhiza, Carthamus tinctorius, and Danhong injection (DHI). We discussed the molecular mechanisms of the bioactive constituents relating to diabetes mellitus and metabolic disease for further research and drug development. Interestingly, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Carthamus tinctorius, and DHI have anti-inflammatory, anti-glycemic, anti-thrombotic, and anti-cancer properties; and they mainly act by targeting the dysfunctional vasculatures including the inflammatory components of the disease to provide vascular repair as well as resolving oxidative stress. The major bioactive chemical constituents of these plants include polyphenolic acids, diterpene compounds, carthamin, and hydroxysafflor yellow A. Treatment of diabetes mellitus and its associated cardiovascular complication requires a comprehensive approach involving the use of appropriate traditional Chinese medicine formula. Danshen, Honghua, and DHI target the multiple risk factors regulating the physiologic function of the body and restore normalcy, apart from the traditional advice on exercise and diet control as treatment options in a metabolic syndrome patient.

Coptis chinensis Franch

Zi Shen Huo Luo Formula Enhances the Therapeutic Effects of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors on Hypertensive Left Ventricular Hypertrophy by Interfering With Aldosterone Breakthrough and Affecting Caveolin-1/Mineralocorticoid Receptor Colocalization and Downstream Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Signaling

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an important characteristic of hypertensive heart disease. Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers have been shown to be effective drugs for the reversal of LVH. Clinical and experimental studies have shown that Zi Shen Huo Luo Formula (ZSHLF) can improve the efficacy of perindopril in the treatment of hypertensive LVH, but its mechanism is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the possible mechanism to improve the efficacy of perindopril. First, we identified 23 compounds in ZSHLF by ultra performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis, among which ferulic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, berberine, rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, stachydrine, and tiliroside have been reported to reduce blood pressure and exhibit cardioprotective effects. Second, we treated spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) with perindopril and ZSHLF for 12 continuous weeks and found that chronic use of perindopril could increase the aldosterone (ALD) levels and cause aldosterone breakthrough (ABT). ZSHLF combined with perindopril reduced the ALD levels, interfered with ABT, decreased blood pressure, improved left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and decreased the collagen volume fraction; these effects were superior to those of perindopril alone. In vitro experiments, ALD-induced cardiomyocytes (H9c2 cells) and cardiac fibroblasts were treated with ZSHLF-containing serum, which suppressed ALD-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cardiac fibroblast proliferation, increased mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and Cav-1 colocalization and decreased phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (pEGFR) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) protein expression the cells. In conclusion, ZSHLF can interfere with ABT and affect the pathological role of ALD by affecting MR and Cav-1 interactions and EGFR/ERK signaling pathway. These effects represent a possible mechanism by which ZSHLF improves the efficacy of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) in hypertensive LVH treatment. However, the major bioactive components or metabolites responsible for the effects and the implications of these findings in patients need further verification.

Catharanthus roseus

Comparison of hypotensive and hypolipidemic effects of Catharanthus roseus leaves extract with atenolol on adrenaline induced hypertensive rats

The leaves extract of Catharanthus roseus was investigated for hypotensive and hypolipidemic effects in adrenaline-induced hypertensive rats (AIHR) and compared with those of Atenolol in a crossover design. The pharmacologically Active components responsible for hypotensive activities were isolated from plant using bioassay guided purification approach and the structure of the compounds was proposed by spectroscopic methods. Catharanthus roseus leaves extract and commercial drug Atenolol were administered through intraperitoneal (i.p) route for one week. Different biochemical parameters such as heart weight, blood glucose level, serum cholesterol level, serum triglyceride level, body weight and the relationships between them were measured. Catharanthus roseus leaves extract at a dose of 30 mg/155+/-15 gm of body weight was injected in rat at every morning during the treatment period. The dose of Atenolol was determined according to its pharmacokinetic parameters. Clinically effective plasma concentration as a hypotensive drug was obtained after the injection of 0.1 mg/155+/-15 gm of body weight of the drug. The Catharanthus roseus leaves extract made significant changes in each cardiovascular parameter after investigation. Catharanthus roseus leaves extract treated animals have shown the hypotensive effects. Hypotensive effects were also shown by Atenolol.

Cecropia pachystachya

Cardiotonic and sedative effects of Cecropia pachystachya Mart. (ambay) on isolated rat hearts and conscious mice

Cecropia pachystachya Mart. is popularly called “ambay” and extensively used in herbal medicine of South America for cough and asthma. In Argentina it grows in neotropical rainforest (Ntr C.p.) and in a temperate region (Tp C.p.). In a previous work we showed their hypotensive properties with different potency and toxicity, and now we studied the Tp C.p. effects in isolated heart from rats and central effects of both plants on the open-field test for mice. Tp C.p. produced a positive inotropic effect on isolated rat hearts, which was not affected by 1 microM propranolol, suggesting that it is not due to a beta-adrenergic effect. In contrast, it was prevented by pretreatment with high [K](o) media, which stimulates the Na,K-ATPase pump, suggesting an inhibition of the pump by “ambay”, as digital do. In the open-field test, both Ntr C.p. and Tp C.p. similarly decreased the spontaneous locomotion and exploratory behavior of mice at doses between 180 and 600 mg/kg. Ntr C.p. potentiated the effect of 3 mg/kg diazepam to one similar to 10 mg/kg diazepam, but was not antagonized by 0.5 mg/kg flumazenil. Amphetamine at 5 mg/kg prevented the sedative effect of Ntr C.p. Chromatographic analysis showed that both plants have a qualitatively similar fingerprint but quantitatively differed in at least three components. Although the purpose was not to identify them, both plants have at least 10 compounds. Two of them were in higher amount in Tp C.p. than in Ntr C.p., and then, they could be responsible for the cardiovascular toxicity of Tp C.p. In conclusion, the results suggest that ambay has cardiotonic and sedative properties. The sedative effect could be useful in cough treatment. The extract resulted additive to benzodiazepines but it did not bind to the same site on GABA-A receptor, and it was interfered by the dopamine release produced with amphetamine.

Cirsium japonicum

Cirsium japonicum elicits endothelium-dependent relaxation via histamine H(1)-receptor in rat thoracic aorta.

Cirsium japonicum De Candole is widely used in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of hemorrhage, hypertension or blood circulation in Korea. In this work, we investigated the vasorelaxant activity of an aqueous extract of C. japonicum whole plant (CjEx) and its possible mechanism in isolated rat thoracic aortic rings constricted with norepinephrine (NE; 300 nmol/l). CjEx elicited an acute relaxation in endothelium-intact rings in a concentration-dependent manner (0.1-1.0 mg/ml). This relaxation was eliminated by the removal of the endothelium and pretreatment with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (10 micromol/l), methylene blue (1 micromol/l) or diphenylhydramine (10 micromol/l), but indomethacin (10 micromol/l) atropine (100 nmol/l), [D-Pro(2), D-Trp(7,9)] substance P (5 micromol/l) or HOE-140 (10 nmol/l) did not affect the relaxation. The results indicate that the response to CjEx involves enhancement of the nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate system, and that it occurs via histamine H(1)-receptor. Our findings may contribute to better understanding of the potential link between the clinical use and its beneficial effects on vascular health.

Citrus limetta

Citrus limetta leaves extract antagonizes the hypertensive effect of angiotensin II

Clerodendron trichotomum

angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory phenylpropanoid glycosides from Clerodendron trichotomum

The stems of Clerodendron trichotomum have been traditionally used for treatment of hypertension in far East Asia including China, Korea, and Japan. Bioassay-guided fractionation and purification of the EtOAc-soluble extract of Clerodendron trichotomum afforded acteoside (1), leucosceptoside A (2), martynoside (3), acteoside isomer (4), and isomartynoside (5). The angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activities were significantly inhibited by the addition of these phenylpropanoid glycosides (1-5) in a dose-dependent manner of which IC(50) values were 373+/-9.3 microg/ml, 423+/-18.8 microg/ml, 524+/-28.1 microg/ml, 376+/-15.6 microg/ml, 505+/-26.7 microg/ml, respectively. These results suggest that the antihypertensive effect of Clerodendron trichotomum may be, at least in part, due to ACE inhibitory effect of phenylpropanoid glycosides.

Cocos nucifera

Vasorelaxant and antihypertensive effect of Cocos nucifera Linn. endocarp on isolated rat thoracic aorta and DOCA salt-induced hypertensive rats