Shenyuan, an extract of American Ginseng and Corydalis Tuber formula, attenuates cardiomyocyte apoptosis via inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress in a porcine model of acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance The decoction of American Ginseng and Corydalis Tuber has been widely used for treatment of cardiovascular diseases due to their anti-ischemic and anti-arrhythmic effects. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-apoptotic effect of Shenyuan, which is composed of the bioactive components extracted from the mixture of American Ginseng and Corydalis Tuber, and to explore potential mechanisms involved in the regulation of apoptosis. Materials and methods A porcine model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Thirty-eight pigs were randomized into six groups: Group S, sham ( n =6); Group C, AMI controls ( n =8); Group L, AMI+low-dose Shenyuan (240 mg/kg d, n =6); Group M, AMI+moderate-dose Shenyuan (320 mg/kg d, n =6); Group H, AMI+high-dose Shenyuan (400 mg/kg d, n =6); Group B, AMI+Metoprolol Tartrate (1 mg/kg d, n =6). The treatment of Shenyuan or Metoprolol started one week before AMI and continued for another two weeks after AMI. Results Treatment with all doses of Shenyuan as well as Metoprolol produced a significant decrease of apoptotic index ( P P Conclusion Shenyuan treatment significantly inhibited ERS and oxidative stress, balanced the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, suppressed activation of caspase-3, and finally exerted an anti-apoptotic effect in pigs with a large anterior wall AMI. This was accompanied by less release of cardiac enzymes and limit of infarct size. Shenyuan treatment inhibited apoptosis and may have a therapeutic role in improving the natural process of AMI.