Effects of huoxin formula on the arterial functions of patients with coronary heart disease

Abstract

Context: Huoxin formula is a Traditional Chinese Medicine for coronary heart disease (CHD) treatment. Objective: To explore the therapeutic mechanism of the Huoxin formula on arterial functions in CHD patients. Materials and methods: Fifty-eight CHD patients receiving cardiovascular drugs including β-receptor blocker, statins, and antiplatelet medications or others were randomized into intervention [additionally 13.5 g Huoxin formula granules dissolved in 150 mL warm water per time, twice a day ( n = 30)] and control [only cardiovascular drugs ( n = 28)] groups. Serum biomarkers (hs-CRP, IL-18, IL-17, TNF-α, MMP-9), and cardiovascular indicators of the common and internal carotid arteries (ICAs) were monitored before and after the treatments. Results: After 3 months of treatment, the increases of intima-media thicknesses (IMT) of the left and right common carotid arteries (CCAs) as well as of the left and right ICAs and the increases of the left and right cardio-ankle vascular index were all significantly (all p < 0.001) less in the intervention than in control group (all p < 0.001). Serum concentrations reductions of hs-CRP, IL-18, IL-17 and MMP9 (all p < 0.001) levels were higher in the intervention compared to the control group, which correlated with the changes of left ICA (hs-CRP: r = 0.581, p = 0.009; IL-18: r = 0.594, p = 0.007; IL-17: r = 0.575, p = 0.006). Discussion and conclusion: Since the Huoxin formula improved arterial functions and reduced inflammatory factor activities in CHD patients, a large-scale clinical trial is warranted.

The Synergistic Effects of Astragalus mongholicus and Salvia miltiorrhiza on Coronary Heart Disease Identified by Network Pharmacology and Experiment

“…HQ and DS are two Chinese herbal medicines, which are frequently used for treating CHD, alone or in combination in the clinic. 33 However, the synergistic effects and mechanical actions of HQ and DS on CHD have not been well studied.…”

Fuling‐Guizhi Herb Pair in Coronary Heart Disease: Integrating Network Pharmacology and In Vivo Pharmacological Evaluation

“…It was proposed that the occurrence and development of CHD is widely considered as a chronic inflammatory process characterized by highly specific cytokine response [26,27]. TNF-α is a key inflammatory mediator and is considered to be a major indicator of the instability of plaques during the formation of thrombi [28]. IL-6, a circulating cytokine known for its regulation of inflammatory reaction, plays a vital role in atherogenesis and thrombosis [29].…”

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Coronary Artery Disease Treatment: Clinical Evidence From Randomized Controlled Trials

“…Moreover, the addition of Yugengtongyu Granule (愈梗通瘀颗粒) based on current standard treatment reduced the incidence of composite outcomes, defined as any occurrence of cardiovascular death, non-fatal MI, or coronary revascularization, any occurrence of all-cause death, ischemic stroke, readmission due to unstable angina, heart failure, or malignant arrhythmia, and improved quality of life in patients with SCAD (33). Another TCM, Huoxin Formula (活 心 方), also reduced the highsensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin 18, interleukin 17, and matrix metallopeptidase 9 levels in patients with SCAD (34). Moreover, Huoxin Formula delayed the increase of intima-media thicknesses of the internal carotid artery and common carotid artery, as well as the increase in cardio-ankle vascular index (34).…”

“…Another TCM, Huoxin Formula (活 心 方), also reduced the highsensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin 18, interleukin 17, and matrix metallopeptidase 9 levels in patients with SCAD (34). Moreover, Huoxin Formula delayed the increase of intima-media thicknesses of the internal carotid artery and common carotid artery, as well as the increase in cardio-ankle vascular index (34). Most patients with SCAD have depression or anxiety symptoms, and this is associated with increased mortality (42,43).…”