不仅是"益母"草:益母草的心脏保护作用

益母草作为一种传统的妇科中药,近年来的研究表明其作用是多方面的。在心血管方面,益母草能改善心肌缺血、增加冠状动脉血流、提高心功能,其机制主要是在氧化应激状态下通过清除氧自由基、抑制活性氧簇生成发挥抗氧化作用。益母草心脏保护作用的另一机制是促进血管发生。临床试验也表明,益母草能抑制冠心病人的血小板聚集,起抗凝、抗血栓形成作用,从而改善血流变学参数。本文根据目前研究进展,对益母草的心脏保护作用简要综述。

More than a "mother-benefiting" herb: cardioprotective effect of Herba leonuri

Herba leonuri (HL) is a famous Chinese traditional medicine with long history. Recent studies have shown that the effects of HL are versatile. In addition to its activating effect on blood flow which has been widely used in gynecological and obstetrical disorders, HL has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on ischemic diseases including myocardial infarction (MI). Experimental studies have shown that HL ameliorated myocardial ischemia, increased coronary blood flow, and improved heart functions. The underlying mechanism is proved to be its antioxidant effects including scavenging free radicals and inhibiting the formation of reactive oxygen species in ischemic myocardium. The antioxidant effects of HL are exerted only under the condition of oxidative stress. A significant angiogenesis promoting effect is also counted for its cardioprotective effects. Clinic trials also indicated that HL could inhibit blood platelet congregating, resist coagulation, restrain thrombosis, and improve hemorheology in patients with coronary heart diseases. This paper gives a brief review on HLos cardioprotective effects based on recent research progress.