A botanical compound, Padma 28, increases walking distance in stable intermittent claudication

Area of Science:

• Herbal medicine
• Vascular health
• Clinical research

Background:

• Intermittent claudication (IC) is a common symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD).
• Limited effective treatments exist for improving walking capacity in IC patients.
• Padma 28 is a Tibetan herbal preparation with potential therapeutic benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Padma 28 in improving walking distance in patients with stable intermittent claudication.
• To assess the impact of Padma 28 on hemodynamic parameters such as blood pressure and ankle pressure index.
• To compare the effects of Padma 28 with a placebo in a double-blind, randomized trial.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-six patients with a median age of 67 and 5 years of IC duration were randomized.
• Treatment involved either Padma 28 (340 mg twice daily) or a placebo for four months.
• Outcomes measured included pain-free walking distance, maximal walking distance, and ankle pressure index.

Main Results:

• Padma 28 significantly increased pain-free walking distance (52m to 86m, P < 0.05).
• Maximal walking distance also significantly increased with Padma 28 (115m to 227m, P < 0.05).
• No significant changes in walking distance or ankle pressure index were observed in the placebo group.

Conclusions:

• Four months of Padma 28 treatment significantly enhanced walking distance in patients with stable intermittent claudication.
• Padma 28 demonstrates a positive effect on functional capacity in PAD patients.
• Further research may explore the long-term effects and mechanisms of action of Padma 28.