title: Ten years' research on a cardiovascular tonic: a comprehensive approach-from quality control and mechanisms of action to clinical trial.
abstract: Objective. Mortality arising from cardiovascular pathologies remains one of the highest. Maintenance of cardiovascular health therefore remains a universal concern. Interventional therapies and medications have made impressive advances, but preventive measures would be of the same importance. Method. Ten years' search for a simple herbal formula has resulted in a two-herb combination, consisting of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Puerariae Lobatae Radix. The formula has been studied extensively on cardiovascular biological platforms and then put on three clinical trials. Results. In the laboratory, the formula was found to have the biological effects of anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-foam cell formation on vascular endothelium, and vasodilation. Clinical trials using ultrasonic carotid intima thickness as a surrogate marker showed very significant benefits. No significant adverse effects were encountered. Conclusion. It is therefore recommended that the herbal formula could be used as an adjuvant therapy in cardiac patients under treatment or as a preventive agent among the susceptible.
authors: Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong ; State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors: Ping-Chung
authors: PC
authors: Leung
authors: Chi-Man
authors: CM
authors: Koon
authors: Clara Bik-San
authors: CB
authors: Lau
authors: Ping
authors: P
authors: Chook
authors: William King-Fai
authors: WK
authors: Cheng
authors: Kwok-Pui
authors: KP
authors: Fung
authors: Timothy Chi-Yui
authors: TC
authors: Kwok
authors: Kam-Sang
authors: KS
authors: Woo