The effects of Buyang Huanwu Decoction on hemorheological disorders and energy metabolism in rats with coronary heart disease

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has been recognized as a clinical treatment for coronary heart disease (CHD) with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. The effects of BYHWD on hemorheological disorders and energy metabolism in CHD with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome are still unclear.

Aim of the study

To investigate whether the ameliorative effects of BYHWD on CHD rats with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome are associated with the regulation of hemorheological disorders and energy metabolism.

Materials and methods

The rats were lavaged with 25.68, 12.84 and 6.42 g/kg BYHWD (g weight of mixed crude drugs/kg body weight), respectively, once a day for 21 days. The body weight, exhaustive swimming time and tongue characters were observed and recorded. The whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity were determined by hematology analyzer. The level of fibrinogen (Fbg) in plasma was determined by using Fbg assay kit. The platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphatase was measured by semi-automatic whole blood platelet analyzer. The level of blood glucose (BG) was determined by LifeScan. The activity of Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase in heart tissues was detected by spectrophotometer.

Results

BYHWD improved the exterior signs of qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in rats with CHD, including the body weight, exhaustive swimming time and tongue quality. The whole blood viscosity in rats treated with 25.68 g/kg BYHWD decreased at the shear rate of 10 s⁻¹ (P < 0.05) and the plasma viscosity decreased in rats treated with 25.68 and 12.84 g/kg BYHWD (P < 0.05). The plasma Fbg level and the platelet aggregation decreased in rats treated with 25.68 g/kg BYHWD (P < 0.01). The results also revealed that the BG level decreased and the Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity in heart tissues increased in rats treated with 25.68 and 12.84 g/kg BYHWD (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The results suggest that the ameliorative effects of BYHWD on CHD rats with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome are mediated by the improvement of hemorheological disorders and energy metabolism.