Peer Reviewed Research: Mechanisms of Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui) against Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases.
Peer Reviewed Research: Mechanisms of Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui) against Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases.
The journal article, titled Research Progress in Pharmacological Effects and Mechanisms of Angelica sinensis against Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, offers a comprehensive review of the pharmacological applications and mechanisms of Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui) in treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions. The paper focuses on the specific compounds within Angelica sinensis, such as volatile oils, polysaccharides, and other nutrients, which have been scientifically validated to possess therapeutic benefits, particularly in improving hemorheology and protecting against ischemic damage.
Overview of Pharmacological Effects:
The review is divided into several sections based on the type of disease or condition treated by Angelica sinensis, emphasizing the primary chemical compounds involved and their mechanisms of action. These include:
Cardiovascular Diseases:
The paper describes the protective role of Angelica sinensis in cardiovascular conditions such as myocardial ischemic injury and myocardial fibrosis. Polysaccharides and volatile oils of Angelica sinensis have shown protective effects by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, particularly in ischemic and reperfusion injuries. Studies demonstrated how these compounds regulate inflammatory pathways, notably the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby minimizing myocardial damage. In addition, it discusses the plant's ability to reduce the occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI) and fibrosis by controlling apoptotic factors like Bcl-2 and Bax, thus improving cardiac function.
Cerebrovascular Diseases:
For cerebrovascular diseases such as cerebral ischemic injury and vascular dementia, Angelica sinensiscomponents, especially ligustilide and polysaccharides, are highlighted for their neuroprotective properties. The mechanism includes upregulating the expression of proteins that protect against apoptosis and inflammation. Additionally, ligustilide's role in modulating the PINK1/Parkin pathway for neuronal protection is discussed as a promising therapeutic direction for preventing cognitive decline in conditions like vascular dementia.
Vascular Endothelial Protection:
The review presents evidence that Angelica sinensis enhances the activity of enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO), both crucial for vascular health. Polysaccharides and volatile oils in Angelica sinensis protect endothelial cells from oxidative damage, promote angiogenesis, and reduce inflammatory cytokines. These effects are crucial in preventing the progression of cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Regulation of Blood Pressure and Lipids:
The article details the mechanisms by which Angelica sinensis helps regulate blood pressure and lipid levels. Through animal studies, the volatile oil components were shown to exert an antihypertensive effect by regulating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathways, thus improving endothelial function and lipid metabolism. These findings suggest the potential of Angelica sinensis as a therapeutic agent for conditions like hypertension and hyperlipidemia.
Mechanisms of Action:
The paper goes into significant detail on the molecular mechanisms of action by which Angelica sinensis exerts its effects. One notable mechanism is the modulation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, a well-known inflammatory pathway involved in both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. By inhibiting the activation of this pathway, Angelica sinensis reduces the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors such as IL-6, TNF-α, and NO, thereby protecting tissues from damage.
Moreover, the regulation of apoptotic factors like Bcl-2 and Bax is emphasized across multiple sections, underscoring the plant's ability to inhibit cell death in both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular tissues. This dual action of reducing inflammation and preventing apoptosis highlights Angelica sinensis as a multifaceted therapeutic agent.
Clinical Implications and Future Research:
The review highlights that Angelica sinensis is widely used not only as a traditional Chinese medicine but also in various food products and supplements globally. Despite its extensive application in treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, the paper calls for more clinical trials and mechanistic studies to fully understand the therapeutic potential and safety of Angelica sinensis.
The authors suggest that further research should focus on isolating the active components of Angelica sinensis and conducting more human trials to confirm its efficacy in treating specific conditions like myocardial infarction and vascular dementia. Additionally, the integration of Angelica sinensis into broader therapeutic frameworks for cardiovascular health, particularly in combination with other herbs, is seen as a promising avenue for future exploration.
Conclusion:
The paper concludes that Angelica sinensis holds great promise for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, particularly in aging populations. Its ability to regulate inflammatory responses, protect against ischemic damage, and improve endothelial function makes it a valuable tool in both modern and traditional medicinal practices. However, further research is required to translate these findings into practical clinical applications.
Reference (APA format):
Chen, L., Fan, B., Wang, F., Song, Y., Wang, X., Meng, Y., Chen, Y., Xia, Q., & Sun, J. (2024). Research Progress in Pharmacological Effects and Mechanisms of Angelica sinensis against Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases. Molecules, 29(9), 2100
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