Pharmacological potential of the combination of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) and Carthamus tinctorius (Honghua) for diabetes mellitus and its cardiovascular complications.

Metabolic syndrome, such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure (HBP), are closely linked pathophysiologically. However, current monotherapies for metabolic syndrome fail to target the multifactorial pathology via multiple mechanisms, as well as resolving the dysfunctionality of the cells and organs of the body. We aimed to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the pharmacological advances, therapeutic potential, and phytochemistry of Salvia miltiorrhiza, Carthamus tinctorius, and Danhong injection (DHI). We discussed the molecular mechanisms of the bioactive constituents relating to diabetes mellitus and metabolic disease for further research and drug development. Interestingly, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Carthamus tinctorius, and DHI have anti-inflammatory, anti-glycemic, anti-thrombotic, and anti-cancer properties; and they mainly act by targeting the dysfunctional vasculatures including the inflammatory components of the disease to provide vascular repair as well as resolving oxidative stress. The major bioactive chemical constituents of these plants include polyphenolic acids, diterpene compounds, carthamin, and hydroxysafflor yellow A. Treatment of diabetes mellitus and its associated cardiovascular complication requires a comprehensive approach involving the use of appropriate traditional Chinese medicine formula. Danshen, Honghua, and DHI target the multiple risk factors regulating the physiologic function of the body and restore normalcy, apart from the traditional advice on exercise and diet control as treatment options in a metabolic syndrome patient.

Danhong injection facilitates recovery of post-stroke motion deficit via Parkin-enhanced mitochondrial function.

BACKGROUND: A cerebral ischemic stroke involves mitochondrial dysfunction, motor deficits, and paralysis; and Danhong injection (DHI) might possess mitochondrial protection and functional recovery in a stroke subject through promoting expression of parkin, a ubiquitin ligase playing a key role in the regulation of proteins and mitochondria quality control. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effects of DHI on the histological, cellular, and functional recovery of Wistar rats after middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R). METHODS: One hundred and twenty healthy male Wistar rats (250-300 g), were randomly assigned to six groups (twenty rats/group). Rats were subjected to 1 h MCAO/R and subsequently administered the intravenous doses of DHI (0.75, 1.5, and 3 mL/kg) to the respective groups (twice a day for 14 days). Unlike the other groups, the sham group received surgery without vessel occlusion. All the animals were tested for gait behavior using the CatWalk system. The body weight/survival rates were recorded daily for 14 days. The parkin protein expression of the brain tissue was quantified by immunohistochemistry analysis. Additionally, cultured cortical neurons were incubation with DHI or minocycline (MC) and then deprived of oxygen and glucose for 2 h (to resemble ischemic/reperfusion), followed by 4 h reoxygenation. Cellular and mitochondrial phenotypes were assayed by high content analysis. RESULTS: Neurological integrity and paw parameters of the animals were altered in the model group but significantly ameliorated by DHI administration. Also, the infarct volume and survival rate were significantly improved in DHI groups. DHI enhanced the expression of parkin protein in the brain and improved the relative mitochondrial reductase activity of the cultured neurons. CONCLUSIONS: The overall result shows that daily intervention with DHI provides neuroprotection and survival to improve gait motion in Wistar rats.

Effective dose of the combination of salvianolic acids and tanshinones against inflammatory injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells injured by thrombin.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pharmacological effective doses of Chinese Danshen components, (salvianolic acids and tanshinones) combinations on vascular endothelia cells against inflammatory injury. METHODS: Thrombin (50 U/mL) was incubated in human umbilical vein endothelia cells (HUVECs) with 50 and 100 µg/L (1:0, 0:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2) salvianolic acids and tanshinones or without the components of Danshen extract. Cell viability was confirmed in (4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay and cell death was confirmed in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) released into the cell culture supernatant. RESULTS: Six hours treatment of HUVECs with 50 or 100 µg/L salvianolic acids and tanshinones combinations at ratios 1:0, 0:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2 significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01) improved cell proliferation in vitro compared with model group when assayed in MTT, whereas 100 µg/L groups displayed trend toward upshift in potency compared with 50 µg/L groups (2:1, 1:1, and 1:2), respectively, in addition to inhibition of cell death confirmed in reduced LDH released into the culture medium. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provided some useful information for safe and effective use of Danshen preparations in clinical practice. We made observations regarding the protective effect of Danshen components combinations in vascular endothelial against inflammatory injury caused by thrombin activation of endothelial cell.