Effect of astragaloside IV dripping pills on mice with dilated cardiomyopathy

Objective: To prepare astragaloside IV dripping pills (ASDP) and assess their therapeutic effects on mice with doxorubicin hydrochloride-induced dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Significance: Astragaloside IV (AS) exhibits pharmacological effects in treating cardiovascular diseases, however, its clinical application is hindered by poor solubility and low bioavailability. The study sheds light on new therapeutic strategy of DCM and development of AS formulations. Methods: The ASDP prepared by solid dispersion technology were optimized and characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), as well as evaluations of appearance, average weight, hardness, disintegration time, drug content, solubility and dissolution behavior. The therapeutic effects of ASDP on mice with doxorubicin hydrochloride-induced DCM were performed via echocardiography, heart weight index measurements, pathological examination of heart tissues, and determination of serum levels of angiotensin II (Ang II), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and suppressor of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2). Results: ASDP presented as round, white pills with an average weight of 27.61 mg, a short disintegration time (approximately 3 min), a hardness of 4.9 ± 0.2 N and drug content of 64.5 ± 0.12mg/g. Compared to AS, ASDP significantly improved solubility and dissolution rate. In the doxorubicin hydrochloride-induced DCM mouse model, ASDP alleviated cardiac dysfunction and hypertrophy, reduced necrosis, and decreased serum levels of Ang II, BNP and ST2. Conclusion: ASDP, which enhance the solubility and dissolution of AS, demonstrate significant therapeutic efficacy against DCM, suggesting their potential as a promising candidate for DCM treatment.