More than a "mother-benefiting" herb: cardioprotective effect of Herba leonuri

Herba leonuri (HL) is a famous Chinese traditional medicine with long history. Recent studies have shown that the effects of HL are versatile. In addition to its activating effect on blood flow which has been widely used in gynecological and obstetrical disorders, HL has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on ischemic diseases including myocardial infarction (MI). Experimental studies have shown that HL ameliorated myocardial ischemia, increased coronary blood flow, and improved heart functions. The underlying mechanism is proved to be its antioxidant effects including scavenging free radicals and inhibiting the formation of reactive oxygen species in ischemic myocardium. The antioxidant effects of HL are exerted only under the condition of oxidative stress. A significant angiogenesis promoting effect is also counted for its cardioprotective effects. Clinic trials also indicated that HL could inhibit blood platelet congregating, resist coagulation, restrain thrombosis, and improve hemorheology in patients with coronary heart diseases. This paper gives a brief review on HLos cardioprotective effects based on recent research progress.