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Ethnopharmacological Relevance. The medicinal use of Gastrodia elata BI., a dry tuber of the orchid family, has a long history. Gastrodia elata BI. has the functions of calming the liver, relieving muscle spasms, and dispelling gas. Aim of this Review. To review the traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics of Gastrodia elata BI. In addition, we discuss the future development and research prospects of this plant in detail. Materials and Methods. This article collects information from relevant documents, including scientific papers, books, and dissertations concerning Gastrodia elata BI. Results. To date, research on Gastrodia elata BI. has identified about 100 active compounds. Many compounds in Gastrodia elata BI. have biological activities, such as sedation and hypnosis, anticonvulsion, improvement of learning and memory, protection of neurons, antidepressive effects, lowering of blood pressure, promotion of angiogenesis, protection of cardiomyocytes, antiplatelet aggregation, anti-inflammatory activity, and amelioration of labor pains. Conclusion. Although many traditional uses of this plant have been confirmed, it is necessary to continue to study the relationship between its structure and function, clarify the mechanisms of pharmacological effects, and explore new clinical applications so as to better delineate the quality control standards for Gastrodia elata BI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To evaluate the beneficial and adverse effects of breviscapine injection in combination with antihypertensive drugs for treating hypertensive nephropathy in clinical practice. Methods. We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, Sino Med, VIP, and Wanfang Data for relevant literature. The timeframe of retrieval was set from the founding date of each database to September 28, 2018. Results. Fourteen papers were included in this study. The quality of all the studies included was determined to be low. All studies were conducted with Chinese populations. Meta-analysis showed that, compared with single-use antihypertensive drugs, using breviscapine injection in combination with antihypertensive drugs to treat hypertensive nephropathy can reduce serum creatinine (Scr) [WMD = –35.16, 95% CI(–50.01, –20.31), P ≤ 0.001], blood urea nitrogen (BUN) [WMD = –2.00, 95% CI(–3.07, –0.94), P ≤ 0.001], 24-hour urinary total protein (24 h UTP) [WMD = –0.04, 95% CI(–0.05, –0.02), P ≤ 0.001], and the beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) [WMD = –0.09, 95% CI(–0.11, –0.07), P ≤ 0.001], improve creatinine clearance rate (Ccr) [WMD = 7.84, 95% CI(5.20, 10.49), P ≤ 0.001], and increase the clinical efficacy [RR = 1.27, 95% CI(1.05, 1.53), P = 0.014], but does not lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) [WMD = –1.02, 95% CI(–2.88, 0.84), P = 0.281]. There was no significant difference in adverse events between experimental groups and control groups. Conclusion. Breviscapine injection in combination with antihypertensive drugs can improve clinical efficacy and Ccr and reduce Scr, BUN, 24 h UTP, and B2M in patients with hypertensive nephropathy. The present meta-analysis indicated that breviscapine injection can serve as a renal protective effect to patients with hypertensive nephropathy. However, the evidence of methodological quality and sample sizes is weak, and thus, further standardized research is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the increasing number of patients with hypertension, exercise intervention is an excellent alternative or adjunctive treatment for hypertension. Traditional Chinese exercises are excellent physical and mental exercise methods. Although some studies have reviewed the effects of Chinese traditional exercise on patients with hypertension, most of the reviews only involved a single category of traditional exercise. Furthermore, few studies have conducted in-depth analysis of the combined intervention methods of traditional Chinese exercise, and there are high heterogeneity. This study evaluates the current clinical evidence of Chinese traditional exercises in the treatment of essential hypertension. A total of 49 randomized controlled trials with 4207 hypertensive patients were selected according to the inclusion criteria by searching all relevant studies from the establishment of six electronic databases until September 10, 2022. Among them, 24 used tai chi and 25 used Qigong, including Yijinjing, Wuqinxi, Liuzijue, Baduanjin, and Guolin Qigong. This study divided four subgroups according to the type of intervention to explore the source of heterogeneity among studies and found that traditional Chinese exercises can assist or even may replace traditional treatments. The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with the use of antihypertensive drugs alone or in health education, the addition of Chinese traditional exercises showed significant effects in regulating the systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Although the results show that traditional Chinese exercise are effective, the clinical evidence will be affected by the low quality of most randomized controlled trials. More rigorously designed trials are needed in the future to further validate it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. MetS are common throughout the world, including Ethiopia. These have traditionally been treated using medicinal plants, particularly in rural areas where they are freely accessible. This systematic review tried to investigate the treatment of MetS with Ethiopian medicinal herbs and made recommendations for more validation research. A careful analysis of the literature was also conducted on the therapeutic effects of these and other Ethiopian medicinal plants with hepatoprotective and antihypertensive activities. Methods. The relevant keywords "Ethnomedicinal + hypertension," "Ethnopharmacological + hypertension," "Ethnomedicinal + hepatitis, jaundices, and liver disease," "Ethnopharmacological + hepatic disorder," and "Ethnomedicinal + weight loss" were used to search for relevant articles in the major electronic scientific databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search strategy included all articles with descriptions that were accessible until April 30, 2022. The study's subjects, methods, or year of publication were no restrictions in the search. The outcomes were compiled using descriptive statistics. Results. Fifty-four (54) studies were examined in the review that satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the treatment of MetS in Ethiopia. The most often used ethnobotanical plant species for the treatment of hypertension and hepatic disorders were Moringa stenopetala and Croton macrostachyus. Both hepatic and hypertensive disorders were treated more frequently with leaves (52% and 39%, respectively) than with roots (20% and 13%, respectively). Some intriguing studies came from an ethnobotanical investigation into medicinal herbs' hepatoprotective and antihypertensive properties. The most often investigated medicinal plant for its antihypertensive effects is Moringa stenopetala. Conclusion. The study revealed that Ethiopians often use anti-MetS herbal remedies. We advocate the experimental validation of the commonly used medicinal plants with the identification of active compounds and the development of effective alternative drugs for the treatment of MetS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gedan Jiangya Decoction (GJD), a Chinese herbal medicine composed of six botanical medicines, was designed to treat hypertension (patent published number (CN114246896A)). The overexpression of the ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) signaling pathway is essential in developing left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). This study aimed to evaluate GJD's effects on LVH in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and examine its potential mechanisms on Ras/ERK1/2 pathway regulation. Thirty-five ten-week-old SHRs were randomly assigned to one of five groups: GJD low dosage, medium dose, high dose, model, and captopril. Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats served as the control group. All rats received a 6-week treatment. The following parameters were measured: systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and serum TGF-beta1. The pathologic structure was determined by H & E staining and Masson. TGF-beta1, Ras, ERK1/2, and C-Fos levels were determined using western blotting and real-time qPCR. SBP, DBP, and LVMI were reduced significantly in the GJD group compared with the model group. GJD inhibited TGF-beta1, Ras, ERK1/2, and C-Fos expression in LVH. In conclusion, GJD reduced the Ras/ERK1/2 pathway expression, which decreased hypertension-induced heart hypertrophy. GJD may protect hypertension-induced myocardial hypertrophy by altering gene expression patterns in the heart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ricinodendron heudelotii stem bark is commonly used in Cameroonian traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension. The present study was designed to investigate the antihypertensive and antioxidant properties of the aqueous extract of Ricinodendron heudelotii in salt-induced hypertensive rats. Analysis by HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS was used to identify various chemical components of the extract. A total of thirty rats were used for each test. High-salt hypertension was induced in rats by oral administration of NaCl for 12 weeks. Mean blood pressure (MBP) and heart rate (HR) were monitored by noninvasive methods. Oral administration of Ricinodendron heudelotii significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the increase of mean blood pressure (23.12%, 26.14%, and 24.34%) and heart rate (31.19%, 31.09%, and 26.98%), respectively, at the doses of 40, 20, and 6 mg/kg, compared to the hypertensive group. All the doses tested significantly reduced or/and ameliorated biochemical and oxidative stress parameters. Histological analysis showed that Ricinodendron heudelotii restored renal disorders induced by the administration of salt. The aqueous extract of Ricinodendron heudelotii exerts a cardioprotective effect, and the antihypertensive activity seems associated with an improvement in antioxidant status. Overall, the results justify and support the traditional use of Ricinodendron heudelotii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Hypertension is a serious global public health problem, and its incidence increases with age. Research has suggested that multiple antihypertensive prescriptions may be harmful to older individuals with hypertension. Baduanjin, a widely practiced physical activity in China, has been used as an adjuvant therapy to antihypertensive treatment in older individuals with hypertension. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to investigate whether Baduanjin exercise could reduce the need for antihypertensive medications in older patients. Methods. This single-center, open, randomized controlled trial will be conducted in China. Seventy eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either the 12-week Baduanjin exercise group or the 12-week aerobic exercise group (5 times a week), at a ratio of 1 : 1. The primary outcome will include the proportion of participants who reduce their antihypertensive medications. The secondary outcomes will include the changes in mean office systolic and diastolic pressure, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure, health-related quality of life (based on SF-36), and gut microbiota composition. Discussion. The results of this study will provide powerful evidence for the use of Baduanjin as an adjuvant therapy for antihypertensive medication reduction in older people with hypertension and therefore find the best treatment for hypertension. This trial is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR1900024429). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arterial hypertension (AHT) is a leading cardiovascular disease, with a high negative impact on the quality of life. Crinum zeylanicum (C. zeylanicum) leaves extract is used in the West region of Cameroon to treat AHT and heart problems. This study aimed to investigate the antihypertensive effect of C. zeylanicum extract in Nω-nitro-L‐arginine methyl ester- (L‐NAME-) induced hypertensive rats. The aqueous extract of C. zeylanicum (LAE) was obtained by lyophilizing the juice of triturated fresh leaves. The methanol extract (LME) prepared by maceration of the dried leaves was further partitioned to chloroform (LCF), ethyl acetate (LEAF), and residual (LRF) fractions. The total polyphenol, flavonoid content, and antiradical potentials of these extracts were determined. The curative antihypertensive and renal function protective effects of LME and LEAF were evaluated in vivo on L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Hypertension was induced in rats by oral administration of L-NAME (30 mg/kg/day) for 3 consecutive weeks. Thereafter, plant extracts were administered orally at the doses of 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg/day, concomitantly with L-NAME for three other weeks. Body weight, heart rate, and arterial blood pressure were measured at the end of each week throughout the experimental period. At the end of the treatment, 24-hour urine and plasma were collected to assay nitric oxide (NO), creatinine, and protein. The results revealed that LEAF has the higher content of total polyphenol and flavonoid and exhibited the best antiradical potential. Moreover, treatment of hypertensive rats with LME and LEAF significantly (p < 0.001) reduced AHT and heart rate. LME and LEAF significantly increased rat's body mass, plasmatic NO, and urinary creatinine and reduced urine NO and protein contents as compared to the L-NAME group. LME and its LEAF possess potent antihypertensive effects and further protect the renal function in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats, thus supporting the use of C. zeylanicum in the management of AHT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. (Asphodelaceae) is widely used in Pakistan traditional medicine as a hypotensive and diuretic agent. Despite the cardioprotective effects described for A. tenuifolius, the mechanisms involved in its probable hypotensive and diuretic effects have never been evaluated. Firstly, different extracts from A. tenuifolius seeds were obtained, and their antioxidant profiles and chemical constituents by LC-DAD-were determined, including molecular networking by the GNPS platform. Then, to evaluate changes in blood pressure, different groups of anesthetized normotensive rats were intravenously treated with the crude extract (AT-Cr, 1–50 mg/kg), aqueous (AS-AT, 1–25 mg/kg), n-butanol (BS-AT, 1–50 mg/kg), and dichloromethane fraction (DS-AT, 1–80 mg/kg). The diuretic effects of AT-Cr, AS-AT, BS-AT, and DS-AT at 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, p.o. doses, were also evaluated in comparison with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, 10 mg/kg, p.o). The urinary volume, sodium, potassium, and pH were estimated in the sample collected for 6 h from saline-loaded rats. Using pharmacological antagonists or inhibitors, we determine the involvement of acetylcholine, prostaglandins, and nitric oxide in A. tenuifolius-induced hypotensive and diuresis action. In addition, the activities of angiotensin-converting enzyme, erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase, and renal Na+/K+/ATPase were evaluated in vitro. Acute treatment with crude extract and fractions of A. tenuifolius exhibited significant hypotensive and diuretic potential in normotensive rats. However, AS-AT produced the most potent and significant dose-dependent hypotension and diuretic effects in normotensive rats. Previous treatment with atropine significantly reduced the hypotensive and diuretic action of AS-AT, but pretreatment with indomethacin or L-NAME did not affect these effects. Moreover, the 7-day treatment with AS-AT did not reduce activities of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme, erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase, and renal Na+/K+/ATPase. AS-AT showed four major compound node clusters, which included sugars, alkaloids, nucleoside, amino acid, and glycosylated flavonoids. This research supports and extends the traditional use of A. tenuifolius as a hypotensive and diuretic agent. The results showed that AS-AT from A. tenuifolius could present compounds responsible for hypotensive and diuretic activities through the activation of muscarinic receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oryeongsan (ORS), a traditional medicine used to regulate body fluids, has a long history of use as a diuretic in Korea, China, and Japan. ORS is commonly thought to lower blood pressure, but high-quality data on its effects are sparse. The purpose of this study was to determine the antihypertensive and renal protective effects of ORS in rats with hypertension. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were divided into two groups with similar mean baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Then, 10 mL/kg of vehicle (distilled water) or 200 mg/kg of ORS extract were administered orally once a day for 3 weeks. SBP and DBP were measured at weeks 1, 2, and 3. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected, and kidneys were removed for histology. By the 2nd and 3rd week after initiation of treatment, the ORS-treated group had significantly lower SBP than control-treated rats (191.3 ± 6.5 vs. 206.3 ± 9.8 mmHg, p = 0.022 at the 2nd week; 195.8 ± 7.8 vs. 217.0 ± 8.1 mmHg, p = 0.003 at the 3rd week, respectively). The ORS-treated group trended toward having a lower DBP than control, but there was no significant difference. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Cr) were not different between the ORS-treated and control groups (BUN: 23.7 ± 1.1 vs. 22.7 ± 2.8 mg/dL, p = 0.508; Cr: 19.0 ± 2.2 vs. 21.6 ± 2.1 μM, p = 0.083, respectively). The percentage of renal tissue affected by tubulointerstitial fibrosis was significantly lower in the ORS-treated group (1.68 ± 0.60) compared to controls (3.17 ± 0.96, p = 0.019). These findings suggest that treatment with ORS reduces SBP and ameliorates renal damage in SHR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. In the management of hypertension (a cardiovascular disease and the leading metabolic risk factor in noncommunicable diseases) with herbal medicines, efficacy and safety are of uttermost concern. This study sought to establish hypotensive, antihypertensive, drug interaction, and safety for use of the aqueous leaf extracts of Annona muricata (AME), Persea americana (PAE), or their combination products (CAPE). Methodology. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) were measured in normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats treated with 50–150 mg/kg of AME, PAE, or CAPE to establish a hypotensive effect. "Combination index" was calculated to establish interaction between AME and PAE. The antihypertensive effect of CAPE was established by measuring SBP, DBP, MAP, and HR in ethanol-sucrose- and epinephrine-induced hypertension. Full blood count, liver and kidney function tests, and urinalysis were determined in ethanol/sucrose-induced hypertension to establish safety for use. Results. AME, PAE, and CAPE significantly (p ≤ 0.001) decreased BP in both normotensive and hypertensive animals. Effects of CAPE 1, CAPE 2, and CAPE 3 were synergistic (combination indices of 0.65 ± 0.07, 0.76 ± 0.09, and 0.87 ± 0.07, respectively). There was a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.01 − 0.001) in SBP and MAP with 100 mg/kg CAPE 1 and 75 mg/kg CAPE 2 treatment in hypertension as well as with nifedipine (p ≤ 0.001) treatment. Epinephrine-induced hypertension in anesthetized cats was significantly and dose-dependently inhibited (p < 0.05 − 0.001) by 25–100 mg/ml CAPE 1 and 37.5–75 mg/ml CAPE 2. CAPE administration had no deleterious effect (p > 0.05) on full blood count, liver and kidney function, and urine composition in hypertensive rats. Conclusion. The aqueous leaf extracts of Annona muricata, Persea americana, and their combination products possess antihypertensive properties, with combination products showing synergism and safety with use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Adansonia digitata is a plant used against cardiovascular disorders in African folk medicine. We assessed the effects of the aqueous extract of its stem bark on the development of hypertension in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Methods. The animals were administered L-NAME once daily for 3 weeks (25 mg/kg, i.p.), concomitantly with aqueous extract of A. digitata stem bark (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) or captopril (20 mg/kg, p.o.). Then, hemodynamic and electrocardiographic parameters, oxidative stress markers, and the lipid profile were assessed in the blood and heart, aorta, and kidney homogenates, and histopathological analyses were performed. Results. L-NAME-induced hypertensive control animals, but not the animals concomitantly treated with A. digitata extract, displayed increases in the mean arterial blood pressure (21.64% difference, p < 0.001 , vs. dose 200 mg/kg), systolic arterial blood pressure (21.33%, p < 0.001), and the diastolic arterial blood pressure (21.84%, p < 0.001). In addition, hypertensive control animals displayed (i) increases in serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and creatinine levels, malondialdehyde and transaminase activities, and atherogenic index; (ii) decreases in serum HDL, catalase, reduced glutathione, and nitric oxide; and (iii) aorta wall thickening, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cell loss in the cardiac muscle and renal tissues. As captopril, the extract prevented hypertension-like changes in lipid profile, cardiac, hepatic, and renal affection indicators, and oxidative stress markers. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that the extract of A. digitata has antihypertensive and antioxidant effects in L-NAME-induced hypertension rat models. These effects partly justify the traditional medicine use against cardiovascular disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wenyang Lishui decoction (WYD) has been frequently used to treat patients with membranous nephropathy (MN) in China. Our previous study in vitro showed that WYD aqueous extract could alleviate F-actin reorganization of podocytes induced by serum from idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) patients. This study aims to investigate the effects and molecular mechanisms of WYD on MN. MN rat models were induced by cationic bovine serum albumin. Experimental rats were divided into four groups: normal, model, WYD, and benazepril. The normal group consisted of normal rats receiving distilled water for four weeks, while the model, WYD, and benazepril groups consisted of MN rats receiving distilled water, 16.5 g/kg/day WYD aqueous extract, and 10 mg/kg/day benazepril, respectively. Alanine aminotransferase, kidney function, albumin, and 24 h urine total protein (UTP) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin and electron microscopy analyses were performed. Mouse podocytes were induced to develop cell models by serum from IMN patients with antibody to the M-type phospholipase A2 receptor and spleen and kidney Yang deficiency syndrome. They were divided into five groups: control, model, 2 mg/ml WYD, 4 mg/ml WYD, and 8 mg/ml WYD. CCK-8 assays, flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, and Western blot analyses were performed. In the animal experiment, side effects of WYD were not found. Also, there was no significant difference in kidney function among the groups. In addition, UTP level was significantly reduced, and kidney histological damage was restored in both WYD and benazepril groups but difference in UTP level between them was not found. In the cell experiment, apoptosis rate was increased in the model group while it was decreased by coincubation with WYD. Besides, mRNA and protein levels of p53 were decreased, and those of Bcl-2 were increased by treatment using WYD. In conclusion, WYD could reduce proteinuria and ameliorate podocyte injury by regulating the expression of p53 and Bcl-2. The study is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-OCH-14005137). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since improving maternal and child health is a public health priority worldwide, the main aim of treatment of hypertension in pregnant women is to prevent complications during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. In consequence, much attention is paid to the use of antihypertensive drugs that can be used safely during pregnancy. Several side effects of methyldopa, which is currently the most commonly used antihypertensive drug in pregnant women, mean that the search for an effective and safe alternative still continues. Flavonoid compounds present in medicinal plants, vegetables, and fruits may be a promising source of new drugs. In this aspect, quercetin, a well-known flavonoid due to its antihypertensive action, may be considered a prototype for safe antihypertensive drugs. This review focuses on the selective activity of quercetin. Based on recent studies, a few problems were discussed, including (1) pathology of pregnancy-induced hypertension; (2) search for new pharmacological treatments of pregnancy-induced hypertension; (3) issues with the use of herbal extracts during pregnancy; (4) flavonoids as natural active chemical compounds; (5) quercetin: its action during pregnancy, in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities, clinical trials, and meta-analysis; (6) quercetin intake during pregnancy; (7) other natural compounds tested during pregnancy; (8) potential problems with the use of quercetin; (9) safety profile of quercetin. Various studies have shown a beneficial effect of quercetin on vascular endothelial function and its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity on cellular and tissue level. It is known that in animal models quercetin affects positively the development of embryo, fetus, and placenta. Because this flavonoid did not have teratogenic and abortive effect, it is generally recognized as safe. For this reason it should be appreciated and studied in the aspect of its potential use in the prevention and treatment of pregnancy-induced hypertension among women in this risk group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To investigate the effectiveness and mechanism of the Chinese herbal formula Sini Tang (SNT) which consists of Aconitum carmichaelii (Fuzi), Zingiber officinale (Gan Jiang), and Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Gancao) in heart failure after myocardial infarction in rats. Methods. We established the heart failure after myocardial infarction in model of SD rats by ligating the anterior descending branch of left coronary artery. Rats were randomly divided into six experimental groups: Sham operation group, HF group, Benazepril group, high dose of SNT group, medium dose of SNT group, and low dose of SNT group. Drugs were administered by oral gavage for eight weeks. The detection indexes include left ventricular function by echocardiogram, Collagen Volume Fraction by Masson staining, level of Plasma Renin, Angiotensin II and Aldosterone by radioimmunoassay, protein and gene level of ACE and AT1R by western-blot, and real-time PCR. Results. The outcomes of this study indicated that SNT significantly improved the LVEF and LVFS, thickened both LVAWd and LVAWs, and reduced LVIDs in heart failure after myocardial infarction in rats when compared with control group (P<0.05). Besides, SNT significantly reduced the Collagen Volume Fraction (P<0.05). The results of radioimmunoassay showed that SNT decreased the level of Plasma Renin, Angiotensin II, and Aldosterone (P<0.05). The outcomes of western-blot and real-time PCR analysis showed that SNT significantly downregulated the protein and gene level of ACE and AT1R (P<0.05). Conclusions. The Chinese herbal formula SNT could improve left ventricular systolic function in heart failure after myocardial infarction in rats and decreased the level of Plasma Renin, Angiotensin II, and Aldosterone, as well as downregulating the protein and gene level of ACE and AT1R. Therefore, SNT has potential benefits of improving cardiac function by inhibiting the excessive activation of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system in heart failure after myocardial infarction in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous studies have shown that Uncaria has an important role in lowering blood pressure, but its intervention mechanism has not been clarified completely in the metabolic level. Therefore, in this study, a combination method of HPLC-TOF/MS-based metabolomics and multivariate statistical analyses was employed to explore the mechanism and evaluate the antihypertensive effect of Uncaria. Serum samples were analyzed and identified by HPLC-TOF/MS, while the acquired data was further processed by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to discover the perturbed metabolites. A clear cluster among the different groups was obtained, and 7 significantly changed potential biomarkers were screened out. These biomarkers were mainly associated with lipid metabolism (dihydroceramide, ceramide, PC, LysoPC, and TXA2) and vitamin and amino acids metabolism (nicotinamide riboside, 5-HTP). The result indicated that Uncaria could decrease the blood pressure effectively, partially by regulating the above biomarkers and metabolic pathways. Analyzing and verifying the specific biomarkers, further understanding of the therapeutic mechanism and antihypertensive effect of Uncaria was acquired. Metabolomics provided a new insight into estimate of the therapeutic effect and dissection of the potential mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]