A recent study conducted by a team of researchers from Toho University has shed light on a potential new application for a naturally occurring compound called schisandrin A, which is found in the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Schisandra chinensis. Published in the Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, the study highlights the ability of schisandrin A to relax pig coronary arteries, offering hope for the development of new treatments to prevent heart attacks caused by vascular spasms.
Coronary artery spasms are sudden narrowings of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. These spasms can lead to restricted blood flow and can trigger angina or even heart attacks, especially in individuals with no apparent signs of artery blockage. These spasms are often induced by chemical messengers like acetylcholine, histamine, and serotonin.
In laboratory experiments using porcine coronary arteries, which closely mimic human arteries in both function and structure, the researchers observed that schisandrin A was effective in reducing contractions triggered by various spasm-inducing agents. The compound achieves this by blocking specific calcium channels, known as L-type calcium channels, that regulate muscle contraction in the artery walls. Essentially, schisandrin A helps keep the arteries relaxed by preventing excessive calcium from entering the muscle cells. Additionally, the compound exhibited mild anticholinergic properties, meaning it can also block signals from certain nerves that would otherwise cause the artery to constrict.
Schisandrin A is a key component of Shengmai San, a traditional Chinese herbal formula that has been used for centuries to support heart health. While Shengmai San has been widely utilized in Asia to alleviate symptoms of heart disease, this study provides new insights into a potential mechanism of action: schisandrin A’s direct impact on artery contraction.
Although the concentrations of schisandrin A used in the study were higher than what is typically found in the bloodstream after oral consumption, injectable forms of Shengmai San may achieve similar levels. This opens up opportunities for future investigations into the potential of schisandrin A as a preventive agent for coronary artery spasms, particularly in patients at risk of chemically-induced vascular events.
Lead researcher Dr. Keisuke Obara expressed optimism about the findings, stating, “Our research suggests that schisandrin A, a natural compound derived from traditional herbal medicine, could present a novel approach to preventing coronary spasms. This could ultimately help reduce the incidence of ischemic heart disease, which remains a leading cause of death worldwide.”
In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of schisandrin A in preventing coronary artery spasms. Further research and clinical trials may pave the way for the development of new treatments that leverage the natural properties of this compound to protect heart health.
