Modernisation of ancient Chinese remedies
The TCM-VASC (Discovery of bioactive natural compounds from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) used against cardiovascular disease (CVD)) project characterised bioactive natural compounds from TCMs used to combat atherosclerosis. These were tested on the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) model as one symptom of atherosclerosis is cell proliferation. Several natural products were found to inhibit the rapid increase in the population of VSMCs. In vivo studies focused on absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of the target compounds. Using blood samples from rats given the most interesting of the compounds intravenously, half-life, blood clearance and volume distribution and other pharmacokinetic parameters were recorded. Data collected will be used to assess their potential commercial value. Future research plans include the design of further in vivo studies in animal models of atherosclerosis. The TCM-VASC research results will help to fuse important elements of TCM with modern medicine promoting safety and efficacy. New inhibitors of CVD could be developed into novel pharmaceuticals or incorporated into functional foods.
Keywords
Traditional Chinese medicine, TCM-VASC, bioactive, natural compounds, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis
