How Red Sage Extract Helps Improve Acute Heart Attack Symptoms in Rats

Jenn Hoskins
14th May, 2024

How Red Sage Extract Helps Improve Acute Heart Attack Symptoms in Rats

Image Source: Evgeniya Litovchenko (photographer)

Key Findings

  • In a study by Hainan Medical University, SM extract reduced heart injury in rats with induced myocardial ischemia
  • The extract improved heart function, lowered inflammation, and altered 24 metabolites linked to heart health
  • These findings support the traditional use of SM extract for heart conditions and highlight its potential for new treatments
Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM), commonly known as Danshen, is a traditional herbal remedy that has been used in the treatment of heart diseases like myocardial ischemia (MI). Myocardial ischemia is a condition where there is a reduction in blood flow to the heart, leading to a decrease in oxygen supply to the heart muscle. This can cause chest pain and, if left untreated, can lead to a heart attack. Finding effective treatments for MI is crucial as it remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Recent research conducted by Hainan Medical University has shed light on how SM extract may offer cardioprotective effects against this condition[1]. The study utilizes an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced acute myocardial ischemia rat model to explore the therapeutic potential of SM extract. Isoproterenol is a chemical that can induce heart stress similar to MI when administered to animals. The study's findings are significant as they show that pretreatment with SM extract can reduce the size of heart injury caused by ISO. This was evidenced by improvements in electrocardiographic patterns, serum biochemical markers, and heart tissue appearance under the microscope. Moreover, the SM extract also lowered levels of proinflammatory cytokines, which are signaling molecules that can contribute to inflammation and heart damage during MI. One of the most innovative aspects of the study is the use of untargeted metabolomics, a technique that allows for the comprehensive analysis of metabolites, which are the small molecules involved in metabolism. This analysis revealed that SM extract treatment led to alterations in 24 different metabolites, bringing their levels closer to those seen in healthy control animals. These metabolites are involved in critical biological pathways such as histidine metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism, which are essential for heart function and response to injury. The study's metabolomics approach aligns with earlier research that has demonstrated the importance of metabolic changes in the progression and treatment of heart disease. For instance, baobab fruit pulp has been shown to protect against myocardial oxidative stress in experimental rats[2], and Schizandrol A, an active component from Schisandra chinensis, was found to regulate metabolic pathways in mice with acute myocardial ischemia[3]. Similarly, Danqi Tongmai tablets, which contain salvianolic acids and panax notoginsenosides, were observed to influence metabolites and metabolic pathways in acute myocardial ischemia rats[4]. These prior studies[2][3][4] highlight a growing recognition of the role of metabolism in heart disease and the potential for natural compounds to modulate these metabolic pathways for therapeutic benefit. The current study builds upon this foundation by identifying specific metabolites and pathways that SM extract influences, which could be key to its cardioprotective effects. The research from Hainan Medical University not only confirms the traditional use of SM extract in treating heart conditions but also provides a scientific basis for its mechanism of action. By utilizing advanced analytical techniques, the study offers a detailed view of how natural compounds can interact with and alter the body's metabolism to prevent and mitigate the effects of heart disease. In conclusion, the protective effects of SM extract against myocardial ischemia have been supported by this recent study. It offers a promising avenue for the development of new treatments for heart disease, emphasizing the importance of metabolic regulation. This research contributes to a growing body of evidence that natural compounds can have significant therapeutic effects on heart health and could pave the way for new, metabolically targeted interventions for myocardial ischemia.

HerbsMedicineBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Metabolomics analysis reveals the effects of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Bunge extract on ameliorating acute myocardial ischemia in rats induced by isoproterenol.

Published 15th May, 2024 (future Journal edition)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30488

Related Studies

2) Protective Effect of Adansonia digitata against Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Injury in Rats.

https://doi.org/10.1080/10495398.2015.1102147

3) Exploring the protective effects of schizandrol A in acute myocardial ischemia mice by comprehensive metabolomics profiling integrated with molecular mechanism studies.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41401-020-0377-7

4) Exploring the protective effects of Danqi Tongmai tablet on acute myocardial ischemia rats by comprehensive metabolomics profiling.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152918


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