Bergenin was isolated from the aerial parts of Fluggea virosa (Euphorbiaceae). Its structure was elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectral data. Anti-arrhythmic effects of bergenin were investigated. At concentrations of 0.2 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, and 0.8 mg/kg, bergenin showed distinct therapeutic effects on BaCl2-induced arrhythmias in rats. At concentrations of 0.4 mg/kg and 0.8 mg/kg bergenin significantly countered arrhythmias induced by ligation and reperfusion of the coronary artery. At 0.8 mg/kg, bergenin elevated the atria fibrillation threshold in rabbits from 1.34 mV to 1.92 mV. Our results suggest that bergenin has good potential to treat cardiac arrhythmias.
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