Vasorelaxant effects of Angelica decursiva root on isolated rat aortic rings

Abstract

BackgroundHypertension is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a worldwide problem. Despite increases in the development of synthetic drugs for hypertension treatment, the rate of untreated and uncontrolled hypertension remains high. These drugs are effective, but can also cause side effects. Approximately 80% of the world population uses herbal medicines because of their low toxicity and better acceptability by the human body. Therefore, we attempted to identify natural medications for treating hypertension. The 70% ethanol extract of Angelica decursiva root (ADE) shows strong vasorelaxant potential, but no studies have investigated the mechanisms underlying the vasorelaxation effect of A. decursiva.MethodsDried root of A. decursiva was identified by DNA sequencing and was extracted once with 1 L 70% ethanol (EtOH) for 3 h in a reflux apparatus at 70 °C. ADE was evaluated for its vasorelaxant effects in rat thoracic aortas. Various inhibitors of ADE-induced vasorelaxation were used.ResultsADE showed vasorelaxant effects on the intact and denuded endothelium of aortic rings pre-contracted with phenylephrine and KCl in Krebs-Henseleit solution. Tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine did not alter ADE-induced vasorelaxation. However, the vasorelaxant effect of ADE was partially inhibited by pre-treatment with glibenclamide an ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker. Furthermore, ADE concentration-dependently inhibited Ca2+ supplementation-induced vasoconstriction of aortic rings that had been pretreated with phenylephrine or KCl in Ca2+-free Krebs-Henseleit solution.ConclusionsThese results suggest that ADE-induced vasorelaxation occurred in an endothelium-independent manner. The vasorelaxant effects of ADE were correlated with blockade of the KATP channel and inhibition of Ca2+ influx via receptor-operative Ca2+ channels or voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels.

20(S)-Protopanaxadiol decreases atherosclerosis in ApoE KO mice by increasing the levels of LDLR and inhibiting its binding with PCSK9

“…Chinese medicinal and edible plants such as Panax notoginseng , 39 Polygonum multiflorum , 40 Angelica sinensis , 41 Ganoderma lucidum , 42 Acanthopanax leaves and ginseng 43 are widely used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Relevant studies have demonstrated how to use the Exploring Key Orientations (EKO) method to find small molecules with low micromolar affinity binding to PCSK9, which prevents interaction between PCSK9 and LDLR.…”

“…[31][32][33][34][35] Elevated levels of LDL-C are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. 36 Therefore, inhibition of the interactions between PCSK9 and LDLR is a promising strategy for increasing LDLR levels and decreasing the levels of plasma LDL-C. 37,38 Chinese medicinal and edible plants such as Panax notoginseng, 39 Polygonum multiflorum, 40 Angelica sinensis, 41 Ganoderma lucidum, 42 Acanthopanax leaves and ginseng 43 are widely used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Relevant studies have demonstrated how to use the Exploring Key Orientations (EKO) method to find small molecules with low micromolar affinity binding to PCSK9, which prevents interaction between PCSK9 and LDLR.…”

Use of Plant and Herb Derived Medicine for Therapeutic Usage in Cardiology

“…CVDs such as atherosclerosis, HTN or IRI are expected to continually rise at unprecedented rates in the coming years [ 1 ]. With the elevating rates of CVD, exploration of herb- and plant-derived medicine with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive properties as well as efficacy of these medicines in humans is crucial to further assess the biocompatibility of naturally derived medicine in humans [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Furthermore, it is important to delve deeper into natural derivatives and their potential with nanoparticles for remedies for synergistic effects of modern improvement of technology and naturally derived medicine [ 46 ].…”

“…As aforementioned, plant- and herb-derived medicines are widely used for their low toxicity and compatibility with the human body [ 8 ]. However, plant- and herb-derived medicines often need to be combined with other synthetic particles, or NP, to supplement for its setbacks, such as poor solubility [ 45 ].…”

“…The antioxidant potential of plants has received a great amount of attention for increased oxidative stress has been identified as a major causative factor of CVD. Approximately 80% of the world population uses herbal medicines due to their low toxicity and better acceptability by the human body [ 8 , 9 ].…”