CARTHAMUS, Hong Hua, Flos Carthami Tinctorii-regulates blood flow, lowers cholesterol.
CNIDIUM, Chuan Xiong, Radix Ligustici Wallichii-reduces blood pressure, regulates blood flow.
CRATAEGUS, Shan Zha, Fructus Crataegi-reduces blood pressure, treats atherosclerosis, reduces cholesterol, increases patency of coronary arteries and aorta.
FLEECEFLOWER, Ho Shou Wu, Radix Polygoni Multifori-reduces serum cholesterol.
LORANTHUS, Sang Ji Sheng, Ramus Loranthi seu Visci-lowers blood pressure, dilates coronary arteries.
NOTOGINSENG/PSEUDOGINSENG, San Qi/Tian Qi, Radix Pseudoginseng-stops bleeding, lowers cholesterol, lowers blood pressure.
SALVIA, Dan Shen, Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae-dilates coronary arteries, reduces cholesterol.
CARTHAMUS (Flos Carthami Tinctorii): Hong Hua has a marked cardiovascular effect; it causes a decrease in blood pressure, an increase in coronary blood flow, and vasoconstriction of peripheral blood vessels. In the treatment of coronary artery disease decoctions of Hong Hua together with other herbs that move the blood and Qi were given to 44 cases of coronary artery disease for up to four months. Symptoms were significantly reduced in 49% and there were marked improvements in the ECG in 41%. A total of 90% of the patients in the series were able to stop taking nitroglycerin on a regular basis. Oral administration of the oil of this herb has lowered the serum cholesterol of rabbits with elevated levels. The Chinese use Hong Hua to move the blood and dispel congealed blood.
CNIDIUM (Radix Ligustici Wallichii): Intravenous and intramuscular injections caused a decrease in blood pressure in anesthetized animals. Water decoctions had the strongest effect of reducing blood pressure. The Chinese use Chuan Xiong to move the blood and Qi, a useful function in clearing the vessels.
CRATAEGUS (Fructus Crataegi): Has been shown to lower blood pressure in intravenous injections in anesthetized rabbits. Experiments in China indicate that Shan Zha may be useful in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. Changes in both serum cholesterol levels and degree of patency of the coronary arteries and aorta have been observed. In Traditional Chinese Medicine Shan Zha is used to transform congealed blood and dissipate masses. It is used in angina.
HO SHOU WU (Polygoni Multifori Radix): Preparations of this herb reduce cholesterol levels in rabbits with experimentally induced hypercholesterolemia. It also decreases the absorption of cholesterol from the intestinal tract of rabbits. In another experiment in 88 patients with high levels of cholesterol He Shou Wu reduced serum cholesterol in 78 cases. The Chinese use this herb as a wonderful tonifier; it tonifies the liver, kidneys, blood, yin and the essence.
LORANTHUS (Ramus Loranthi seu Visci): Alcohol extractions of Sang Ji Sheng given intravenously to anesthetized dogs and rabbits lower blood pressure. It also dilates the coronary arteries in guinea pig heart specimens. Sang Ji Sheng is used in Chinese Medicine to tonify the liver and kidneys, and nourish the blood.
NOTOGINSENG/PSEUDOGINSENG (Radix Pseudoginseng): In powder form San Qi has an in vitro hemostatic effect. It shortens the bleeding time and the thrombin time in animals. It was used in clinical trials of patients with coronary artery disease and angina. Of 16 subjects all but one had satisfactory relief of pain, reduced necessity for medication, reduced blood pressure, and in four cases there were mild improvements in the ECG. In a small study daily dosage was hemostatic with a lowering of serum lipids and cholesterol. In Traditional Chinese Medicine this is a primary herb to stop bleeding and transform congealed blood; used to stop internal and external bleeding. It is very effective in moving the blood. It is tonic, hemostatic, and emmenagogue.
SALVIA (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae): Dan Shen has been shown to have a marked vasodilatory effect on the coronary arteries of guinea pig and rabbit heart specimens. In a number of studies involving patients with angina pectoris there was an improvement in 62% to 82% of the cases, with a 38% to 50% improvement based on ECG studies. It has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels in some experiments and not in others. Dan Shen moves the blood, especially of the chest, therefore treating chest or epigastric pain.
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