Newsletters (Dan Shen and Ge Gen for heart support)

In the Zone

A Professional Resource in Oriental Medicine
TCMzone

In this issue of In the Zone, we feature an excellent publication “Ten Years’ Research on a Cardiovascular Tonic”, which describes a Hong Kong research group’s 10 year research on a Dan Shen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix) and Ge Gen (Puerariae Radix) combination. Over the past decade, this research group has studied the quality control and safety of this herbal combination, lab studies of its cardiovascular protections and eventually clinical trials on its efficacy in heart conditions such as atherosclerosis in high-risk hypertensive patients.
Now with this publication showcasing the safety and effectiveness of Dan Shen and Ge Gen, there is further validation for practitioners to confidently recommend these herbs to their clients.
-Jennifer Knapp

Ten Years’ Research on a Cardiovascular Tonic: A Comprehensive Approach-From Quality Control and Mechanisms of Action to Clinical Trial

 

By Ping-Chung Leung, et al. (Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013)

 

A deceased respectable herbal expert and clinician, Shi Jin-mo (1882-1968), was well known for his expertise on selecting twin combinations of herbs in the formation of simple, synergistic formulae. Shi advocated the use of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Danshen) together with Puerariae Lobatae Radix (Gegen) for the promotion of a good circulation.  The herbal combination D&G was found to have following actions:

1) anti-Inflammatory and anti-oxidation,

2) anti-hypertensive,

3) anti-foam cell formation on vascular endothelium,

4) vasodilation.

 

Three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials have been conducted using D&G combination:

1)The patients with coronary arterial diseases was well tolerated and effective in improving vascular function and structure.

2) D&G was found significantly improved the atherogenic process in high-risk hypertensive subjects.

3) D&G prevented atherosclerosis and lowered LDL and total cholesterol in postmenopausal women with early hypercholesterolemia.

 

For full review paper, click here:https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/319703/