Qili Qiangxin (QLQX) capsule as a multi-functional traditional Chinese medicine in treating chronic heart failure (CHF): A review of ingredients, molecular, cellular, and pharmacological mechanisms.

ABSTRACT

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a key part of cardiovascular continuum. Under the guidance of the theory of vessel-collateral doctrine, the present study proposes therapeutic benefits of Qili Qiangxin (QLQX) capsules, an innovative Chinese medicine, on chronic heart failure. The studies show that multiple targets of the drug on CHF, including enhancing myocardial systole, promoting urine excretion, inhibiting excessive activation of the neuroendocrine system, preventing ventricular remodeling by inhibiting inflammatory response, myocardial fibrosis, apoptosis and autophagy, enhancing myocardial energy metabolism, promoting angiogenesis, and improving endothelial function. Investigation on the effects and mechanism of the drug is beneficial to the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF) through multiple targets and/or signaling pathways. Meanwhile, it provides new insights to further understand other refractory diseases in the cardiovascular continuum, and it also has an important theoretical and practical significance in enhancing prevention and therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese medicine for these diseases.