Hypotensive Action of Salvia miltiorrhiza Cell Culture Extract

Abstract

Salvia miltiorrhiza cell culture extract (SCE) was shown to produce dose-dependent hypotensive response in normo-tensive rats. The mode of this hypotensive action was studied both in vivo and in vitro. This vasodepressor effect was not due to the presence of cations (potassium, calcium and magnesium) in the extract. In pharmacological antagonist studies, the hypotensive effect was shown not being mediated via the alpha-, beta-adrenoceptors, histamine receptors and autonomic ganglion; nor via direct vasodilation and diuresis. However, the vasodepressor effect was probably angiotensin- and/or bradykinin-related since captopril infusion potentiated the hypotensive effect of SCE. Furthermore, data indicated that the vasodepressor effect might be accounted for by the positive inotropic and negative chronotropic effects of SCE, the latter via its modulation of cholinergic activity.

Cardiac Effects of Salvia Miltiorrhiza/Dalbergia Odorifera Mixture, an Intravenously Applicable Chinese Medicine Widely Used for Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease in China

“…As clearly shown in the results, the drug slightly decreased the sinoatrial rate and significantly increased the coronary blood flow, but hardly affected the developed tension of the papillary muscle. Similar pharmacological profiles have been reported for the respective crude drugs, [3][4][5][6][7] but it should be noted that the effect on the coronary blood flow was detected with a 10-fold reduced dose than that which produced the other effects, a result that has not been reported elsewhere.…”

“…1,2 The mixture can be administered intravenously or intramuscularly using its ampoule formulation. In previous experimental studies using rats and rabbits, Salvia miltiorrhiza exerted negative chronotropic, positive inotropic and coronary vasodilator effects, [3][4][5] and Dalbergia odorifera has been reported to possess a potent vasorelaxant action. 6,7 However, information regarding the cardiac effects of the combination of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Dalbergia odorifera is still limited.…”

Mechanisms of the vasorelaxant effect of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) in rat knee joints

“…Danshen had been shown to produce dose-related hypotension in the rat that was inhibited by atropine, propranolol, and a mixture of chlorpheniramine plus cimetidine (Lei and Chiou, 1986a), suggesting the roles of muscarinic receptors, ␤-adrenoceptors, and histamine receptors in mediating the effect. However, another study showed that the hypotensive effect of Danshen was not blocked by propranolol, or pyrilamine plus cimetidine, but was inhibited by atropine and potentiated by captopril, indicating the involvement of muscarinic receptors and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition but not ␤-adrenoceptors or histamine receptors (Li et al, 1990). Danshen was also effective in relaxing the noradrenaline-precontracted rat aorta (Kamata et al, 1993), an effect which was blocked by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N G -monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA), suggesting an endothelium-dependent mechanism.…”

Chinese herbs and warfarin potentiation by ‘Danshen’

“…They include anti-lipid peroxidation of low-density lipoprotein [6], a dose-dependent hypotensive action [7,8] with positive inotropic and negative chronotropic effect [7], vasodilatation of coronary arteries [8], improved renal function in animal studies [9] and inhibition of platelet aggregation in vitro [10]. However, the pharmacodynamic effect as well as potentially serious drugs interactions of danshen have not been well studied.…”