Phytochemical, Anti-diabetic and Cardiovascular Properties of Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae): A Review.
- El Haouari M and Rosado JA (2019).
- Mini Rev Med Chem.
- PubMed:
- 30246639
Researchers studied the effect of Dracocephalum heterophyllum Benth flavonoid (DHBF), a traditional medicine used to treat various disorders, on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in cultured cells. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were cultured and hypertrophy was induced using angiotensin II (Ang II). Ang II treatment reduced cell viability and increased the expression of cardiac hypertrophy genes. DHBF treatment reversed these effects in a concentration-dependent manner and may be related to the release of nitric oxide and regulation of intracellular calcium concentration. This study demonstrates the potential of DHBF in treating cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.
Ischemic stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, with few treatment options. Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is the only FDA-approved drug, but its strict therapeutic window limits its use. Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide (NBP), a synthetic compound derived from seeds of the Apium graveolens plant, has shown promise in treating ischemic stroke in multiple clinical studies. NBP has multiple mechanisms of action, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-thrombotic effects, as well as protecting mitochondria. This review highlights the potential of NBP as a powerful multi-target therapy for ischemic stroke.