Clinical & Experimental Cardiology
Open Access

Abstract

SiNiTang – A Traditional Chinese Herbal Remedy Improves Cardiac Function Post-MI

Wolfgang Dietl, Karola Trescher, Philip Hohensinner, Felix Nagel, Yan Ma, Margarita Wolfsberger, Roberto Plasenzotti, Karin Hoffmann-Sommergruber, Johann Wojta, Michael Bauer and Bruno K. Podesser

SiNiTang is a well known traditional Chinese herbal remedy. It is used to treat cold extremities, weak pulse and lethargy: Symptoms that correspond with myocardial infarction and heart failure in western medicine. To examine potential beneficial effects on post-MI remodeling, a modified SiNiTang formula was tested using a well established model of myocardial infarction in Rats. Application of SiNiTang significantly reduced left ventricular dilation and thus preserved left ventricular function. However, it did not affect the hypertrophic response. Exploratory histopathological examination revealed better vascularization of infarct and peri-infarct areas in SiNiTang treated animals compared to placebo. HUVEC cells were treated with SiNiTang showed increased proliferation and tube formation. SiNiTang attenuates ventricular dilation post-MI and increases neoangiogenesis.