title: Prunella vulgaris L. Upregulates eNOS expression in human endothelial cells.
abstract: The purported effects of "circulation-improving" herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) show striking similarities with the vascular actions of nitric oxide (NO) produced by the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). We have previously reported that Salviae miltiorrhizae radix and Zizyphi spinosae semen upregulate eNOS expression. In the present study, we studied the effect on eNOS gene expression of 15 Chinese herbs with potential effects on the vasculature, and identified Prunella vulgaris L. (PVL) (flowering spike) as a potent eNOS-upregulating agent. In EA.hy 926 cells, a cell line derived from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), an aqueous extract of PVL increased eNOS promoter activity, eNOS mRNA and protein expressions, as well as NO production in concentration- and time-dependent manners. We have previously shown that ursolic acid (a constituent of Salviae miltiorrhizae radix), betulinic acid (a compound present in Zizyphi spinosae semen), luteolin and cynaroside (ingredients of artichoke, Cynara scolymus L.) are capable of enhancing eNOS gene expression. These compounds are also present in significant quantities in PVL. Thus, PVL contains active principles that stimulate human eNOS gene expression, and such compounds may have therapeutic potential against cardiovascular diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
authors.forename: Ning
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Xia
authors.forename: Larissa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bollinger
authors.forename: Katja
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Steinkamp-Fenske
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Förstermann
authors.forename: Huige
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D015153:Blotting, Western; D002460:Cell Line; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D031347:Prunella / Q000737:chemistry*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors; D015854:Up-Regulation / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III