Chinese medicinal formula Fufang Xueshuantong capsule could inhibit the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme

Abstract

Fufang Xueshuantong (FXST) capsule, a Chinese medicinal formula composed of four herbals – Panax notoginseng, Radix Astragali, Radix Salvia Miltiorrhizae and Radix Scrophulariaceae, has been used to treat cardiovascular diseases for many years, but the pharmacological mechanisms underlying its effects has not been clarified. This study investigates if a connection between FXST and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) might be an explanation for its pharmacological effects. ACE inhibition assay was performed on FXST capsule, 50% ethanol extracts from the four herbals and three selected saponins most abundant in P. notoginseng (Ginsenoside Rg1, Ginsenoside Rb1 and Notoginsenoside R1) using a biochemical test. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography of liberated hippuric acid from the ACE assay was conducted to determine the inhibitory effect. As a result, FXST and extracts from P. notoginseng showed a significant and dose-dependent inhibition on ACE activity with the IC50 values of 115 μg/ml and 179 μg/ml, respectively. But extracts from the other three herbals and the three selected saponins had no significant effect on ACE inhibition. Compared to other reported plant extracts, FXST could be considered as an effective ACE inhibitor. The inhibition of ACE activity supports the traditional use of FXST on blood circulation and the inhibitory property of FXST is mainly caused by P. notoginseng.

Notoginsenoside R1–Induced Neuronal Repair in Models of Alzheimer Disease Is Associated With an Alteration in Neuronal Hyperexcitability, Which Is Regulated by Nav

“…Previous studies have demonstrated that by binding to the effects of anti-inflammatory properties, reducing blood viscosity, and antiapoptosis, ginsenosides treatment has outstanding advantage in therapy of neurological disorders accompanied with cognitive impairment ( Liu et al, 2014 , 2018 ; Sheng et al, 2014 ; Zhong et al, 2015 ). For example, individuals with a commonly occurring brain disorder, traumatic brain injury, characterized by intracranial/intracerebral hemorrhage ( Regan et al, 2018 ), generally develop symptoms of cognitive deficit ( Ratliff et al, 2020 ).…”

Ranibizumab plus fufang xueshuantong capsule versus ranibizumab alone for exudative age-related macular degeneration

“…The current findings are consistent with the results of studies in animal models. 28 – 30 The following alternative treatment strategies have yielded inconsistent results: combination therapy with photodynamic therapy, 33 core vitrectomy, 34 epimacular brachytherapy, 35 low-dose transpupillary thermotherapy, 36 switch to biweekly anti-VEGF dosing or algorithms, 37 adjunct pharmacologic treatment with intravitreous corticosteroids, 38 omega-3 supplementation, 39 and topical dorzolamide-timolol eyedrops. 40 As expected, intravitreal ranibizumab treatment alone induced significant functional and morphological improvement, as reported previously.…”

“… 27 The bioactive components of cFXST that ameliorate circulatory dysfunction have been identified. 28 – 30 These components influence serum proteins (e.g., von Willebrand factor, plasma fibrinogen, and antithrombin III), thereby attenuating erythrocyte aggregation, plasma viscosity enhancement, and acellular vessel formation. However, randomized controlled clinical studies related to the etiology of cFXST are lacking.…”

Recent Update on the Role of Chinese Material Medica and Formulations in Diabetic Retinopathy

“…Based on the meridian theory of TCM, Fufang Xueshuantong (FXT) capsule was originally formulated twenty years ago and also has been accepted in 2003 by the State Food and Drug Administration of China for treatment of stable angina pectoris and retinal vein occlusion [ 115 , 116 ]. Fufang Xueshuantong (FXT), also known as compound Xueshuantong, is a Chinese herbal formula that consists of four traditional plants, namely Astragalus membranaceus, Scrophularia ningpoensis, P. notoginseng and Salvia miltiorrhiza [ 117 ].…”