Researchers in China are investigating the potential of Trichosanthes pericarpium, a traditional Chinese medicine, to treat cardiovascular disease and respiratory ailments. Studies indicate the aqueous extract of the plant, known as TP, demonstrates protective effects against acute myocardial ischemia and may offer benefits for conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
A study published in Frontiers in Physiology in January 2018, conducted by researchers at the Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, found that TP enhances the mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in rats experiencing acute myocardial ischemia. The research team, led by Qitao Zhao, hypothesized that TP’s protective effect stemmed from its ability to up-regulate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelial nitric oxide syntheses (eNOS), nitric oxide (NO), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). The study involved administering the TP aqueous extract (TPAE) to rats and observing changes in EPC numbers and expression levels of the aforementioned factors in both myocardial tissue and plasma.
The use of Trichosanthes pericarpium in Chinese medicine dates back 2,000 years, with the plant traditionally used to “clear heat and transform phlegm,” according to research published by ScienceDirect. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prescriptions containing TP are commonly used in clinical practice for respiratory diseases, including COPD.
Further research, detailed in a 2018 publication in Frontiers in Physiology, identified Nini Fu and Hang Li as key contributors to the study examining TP’s impact on myocardial ischemia. The research builds upon previous work exploring the mechanisms behind TP’s protective qualities. The study involved sequential blood draws from rats following induced acute myocardial ischemia, allowing researchers to monitor changes over a seven-day period.
A separate study, published in Wiley Online Library, explores the mechanism underlying the inhibition of atherosclerosis by volatile organic acids found in Trichosanthes. The research indicates that pericarpium Trichosanthis Danlou tablets may inhibit atherosclerosis in mice by inducing macrophage autophagy through the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway. The study also notes the potential of B-type natriuretic peptide in treating congestive heart failure.
Researchers are also investigating the clinical efficacy of trichosanthes pericarpium injection combined with conventional western medicine for the treatment of phlegm turbidity water stop type coronary heart disease complicated by chronic congestive heart failure.
