Anti-inflammatory effects of powdered product of Bu Yang Huan Wu decoction: Possible role in protecting against Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia

Abstract

Bu Yang Huan Wu decoction (BYHW) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that consists of several herbs and has been used in patients with ischemic stroke for centuries. Although powdered formula of BYHW has widely been prescribed in clinic nowadays, evidence-based effectiveness and mechanism of action of BYHW powdered product in stroke remain to be characterized. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 90 min followed by reperfusion for 24 h (ischemia/reperfusion; I/R) or sham surgery. After I/R, the rats were then given low dose (0.5 g/kg) and high dose (2.5 g/kg) of BYHW or vehicle by oral gavage twice a day for seven consecutive days. The results showed that I/R induced obvious cerebral infarction and neurobehavioral defects, in parallel with histological aberrations and extensive signaling of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), in the stroke model. Post-I/R treatment with BYHW powdered product significantly reduced the infarct area and ameliorated neurofunctional defects in a dose-dependent manner. The dose dependence was associated with TNF-α downregulation and interleukin-10 (IL-10) induction. In summary, the present findings demonstrated that BYHW powdered product exhibited therapeutic efficacy for experimental stroke and a higher dose treatment may strengthen the effectiveness via inflammatory modulation.

BYHW Decoction Improves Cognitive Impairments in Rats with Cerebral Microinfarcts via Activation of the PKA/CREB Pathway

“…One metaanalysis that assessed 56 studies with 1270 animals indicated a substantial neuroprotective action from BYHW decoction in models of focal cerebral ischemia [48]. The possible mechanism involved anti-inflammation [22], antioxidation [49], regulation of VEGF or angiopoietin-1 expression [50,51], and improvement of synaptic plasticity [52]. Clinical studies have also proved the effectiveness of BYHW decoction on stroke [53][54][55].…”

“…The Bu Yang Huan Wu (BYHW) decoction has been widely used in China to treat stroke and stroke-related diseases since the 17 th century. It is one of the most frequently prescribed medications for ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke in China [22][23][24][25]. One study reported that BYHW decoction, in combination with cholinesterase inhibitor donepezil, which is a medicine used to treat Alzheimer's disease, improved cognitive function in stroke patients in the clinic [26].…”

Experimental Evidence of Buyang Huanwu Decoction and Related Modern Preparations (Naoxintong Capsule and Yangyin Tongnao Granule) in Treating Cerebral Ischemia: Intestinal Microorganisms and Transcriptomics in Rats

“…However, the roles of Rpl18, Eif3c, Rhoc, Gng13, and Gng10 in IS have not been reported. Studies have shown that BYHW, NXT, and YYTN inhibit the inflammatory factors [ 52 , 53 ]. Any of the factors discussed above may be relevant.…”

Recent Advances in Chinese Herbal Medicine for Cerebral Ischemic Reperfusion Injury

“…Z et al, 2019 ). In the study by Chen K. Y. et al (2020) , the authors reveal that BHT powdered product exhibited therapeutic efficacy for experimental stroke via reducing the expressions of TNF-α and IL-6 and increasing the expressions of TGF-β and IL-10. To explore the BHT effects on angiogenesis and neuroprotection after CI/RI, some researchers made H 2 O 2 /R-induced oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and MCAO/R-induced rats.…”