Arq. Bras. Cardiol. 2025; 122(8): e20240685
Chronic Treatment with Panax ginseng and Angelica keiskei Decreases Blood Pressure and Improves Endothelial Function in Ovariectomized Rats
This Original Article is referred by the Short Editorial "Herbal Therapy in Post-Menopause".
Abstract
Background
Menopause is a natural physiological process that can impact various systems and organs, often leading to increased blood pressure. The combination of Panax ginseng and Angelica keiskei (Pg + Ak) is a formulation known to improve vascular function.
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo effects of these combined plants on cardiovascular parameters in female rats experiencing menopause induced by ovariectomy.
Methods
Twenty-four 70-day-old female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups: sham-operated (Sham), ovariectomized (OVX), and ovariectomized with Pg + Ak treatment (OVX + Pg + Ak). The rats in the Pg + Ak treatment group received an intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg/day for two weeks. Blood pressure was measured using tail plethysmography, and endothelial function was assessed through vascular reactivity tests.
Results
At the end of the treatment, mean blood pressure in the SH group was lower than in the control group (OVX), and the Pg + Ak treatment improved the endothelial dysfunction caused by ovariectomy. This was evident in the restored endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the aortic rings of the OVX rats treated with Pg + Ak compared to untreated OVX rats.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that the Pg + Ak combination effectively reduces blood pressure and reverses endothelial dysfunction in ovariectomized rats.
Keywords: Herbal Medicine; Hypertension; Menopause; Ovariectomy; Panax
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