[Nuclear cardiology study on effective ingredients of Astragalus membranaceus in treating heart failure].
The experimental study has testified that among the various effective constituents gained from Astragalus membranaceus (AM) is the main component. Nineteen patients with heart congestive failure were treated with effective ingredient of AM, the astragaloside IV (XGA) injection.


RESULTS
After 2 weeks of treatment the symptoms of chest distress, dispnea in 15 patients was alleviated, their capability of exercise reinforced. Radionuclide ventriculography showed that left ventricular modelling improved, left ventricular end-diastolic volume diminished by 11.74 +/- 18.39 ml, left ventricular end-systolic volume by 9.35 +/- 18.01 ml, with statistical significance. HR slowed from 88.21 +/- 17.19 to 64.55 +/- 13.06 beats/min, P < 0.05; PER increased from 1.80 +/- 0.86 to 1.95 +/- 0.85 u/second, P < 0.05. Left ventricular EF, PFR increased also at some extent without statistical significance.


CONCLUSIONS
Effective ingredient of AM, XGA injection is efficient positive inotropic drug, and could improve the left ventricular modelling and ejection function in patients with congestive heart failure after continuous administration of XGA injection for two weeks.
Luo
H M
HM
Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical University.
Dai
R H
RH
Li
Y
Y
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D027885:Astragalus propinquus; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D015637:Gated Blood-Pool Imaging / Q000187:drug effects; D005960:Glucosides / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012503:Saponins / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014315:Triterpenes; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000187:drug effects
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D005960:Glucosides; D012503:Saponins; D014315:Triterpenes; C052064:astragaloside A