Duyuru

***maturidi*** · 20 August 2012, 23:39

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. It was often combined with other herbs to strengthen the body against disease. Astragaus is called an adaptogen, meaning it is thought to help protect the body against various stresses, including physical, mental, or emotional stress.
Astragalus may help protect the body from diseases such as cancer and diabetes. It contains antioxidants, which protect cells against damage caused by free radicals, byproducts of cellular energy. Astragalus is used to protect and support the immune system, for preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, to lower blood pressure, to treat diabetes, and to protect the liver.
Astragalus has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is sometimes used on the skin for wounds. In addition, studies have shown that astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, suggesting that it may help prevent colds.
In the United States, researchers have looked at astragalus as a possible treatment for people whose immune systems have been weakened by chemotherapy or radiation. In these studies, astragalus supplements seem to help people recover faster and live longer. Research on using astragalus for people with AIDS has produced mixed results.
Recent research in China suggests that, because astragalus is an antioxidant, it may help people with severe forms of heart disease, relieving symptoms and improving heart function. At low-to-moderate doses, astragalus has few side effects. However, it does interact with a number of other herbs and prescription medications. Astragalus may also be a mild diuretic, meaning it helps the body get rid of excess fluid.

Plant Description:

Astragalus is a perennial plant, about 16 - 36 inches tall, that is native to the northern and eastern parts of China as well as Mongolia and Korea. It has hairy stems with leaves made up of 12 - 18 pairs of leaflets. The root is the medicinal part, and is usually harvested from 4-year-old plants.

Parts Used:

The dried root is used medicinally.

Medicinal Uses and Indications:

Astragalus has been used for the following:

Adaptogen -- protects the body from stress and disease
Anemia -- One early study suggested astragalus may improve blood counts in people with aplastic anemia. But the study was poorly designed, so more research is needed.
Colds and influenza -- In TCM, astragalus is used as part of an herbal combination to prevent or treat colds, although TCM theory holds that, in some cases, it may make colds worse. Evidence in animal and laboratory tests suggests that it may act against viruses like the ones that cause colds.
Diabetes -- Astragalus appears to lower blood sugar. More studies are needed to know whether it can actually help treat diabetes.
Fatigue or lack of appetite from chemotherapy -- Some studies suggest astragalus may help reduce side effects from chemotherapy. The studies have not been well designed, however. More research is needed.
Heart disease -- Several studies suggest that astragalus may act as an antioxidant and help treat heart disease. However, most of the studies were not well designed, so more research is needed.
Hepatitis -- A few studies have used a combination of herbs containing astragalus to treat hepatitis. Results have been mixed.
Kidney disease -- Astragalus may help protect the kidneys and may help treat kidney disease, although the research is preliminary. More studies are needed.
Seasonal allergies -- One study found that astragalus may help reduce symptoms in people who have allergic rhinitis or hayfever.

Available Forms:

Astragalus root may be available in a variety of forms:

Tincture (liquid alcohol extract)
Capsules and tablets, standardized and non-standardized
Injectable forms for use in hospital or clinical settings in Asian countries
Topically for the skin

How to Take It:

Pediatric
There is not a lot of scientific evidence about giving astragalus to children, so ask your doctor first. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, you should not give astragalus to a child with fever because the herb may make the fever last longer or grow stronger. Any dosage should be determined by your doctor.
Adult
Doses from 1 - 25 g per day are sometimes used. Higher doses may suppress the immune system. For best results, it is recommended to use a standardized astragalus supplement. Recommended doses are as follows:

Standardized extract: 250 - 500 mg, three to four times a day standardized to 0.4% 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy isoflavone 7-sug.
Decoction (strong boiled tea): 3 - 6 g of dried root per 12 oz water, three times per day
Fluid extract (1:1) in 25% ethanol: 2 - 4 mL, three times a day
Powdered root: 500 - 1,000 mg, three or four times per day
Ointment: 10% astragalus applied to surface of wound. Do not apply to open wound without your doctor's supervision.
Tincture (1:5) in 30% ethanol: 3 - 5 mL, three times a day

Precautions:

At recommended doses, astragalus has no serious side effects and can generally be used safely. It does interact with other herbs and medications (see Possible Interactions section).
There is not much evidence about whether astragalus is safe for women who are breastfeeding or nursing. Talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including herbs.

Possible Interactions:

If you take any of the following medications, you should not use astragalus without first asking your doctor:
Drugs that suppress the immune system -- Astragalus may interfere with how these drugs act. If you have an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, or take cyclophosphamide, a medication used to reduce the chances of rejection in transplant recipients, or corticosteroids, do not take astragalus.
Lithium -- Astragalus can make it harder for the body to get rid of lithium, so dangerously high levels of the drug could build up.

Alternative Names:

Astragalus membranaceus; Astragalus mongholicus; Huang-qi; Milk-vetch root

Reviewed last on: 10/12/2010
Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

Supporting Research

Chen KT, Su CH, Hsin LH, et al. Reducing fatigue of athletes following oral administration of huangqi jianzhong tang. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2002;23(8):757-761.
Duan P, Wang ZM. [Clinical study on effect of Astragalus in efficacy enhancing and toxicity reducing of chemotherapy in patients of malignant tumor]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi.2002;22(7):515-517.
Hao Y, Qiu QY, Wu J. [Effect of Astragalus polysaccharides in promoting neutrophil-vascular endothelial cell adhesion and expression of related adhesive molecules]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2004;24(5):427-430.
Hei ZQ, Zhang JJ, Lin SQ, et al. [Effects of Astragalus membranaceus injection on nitric oxide and endothelin concentration of intestinal mucosa after hemorrhage shock-reperfusion in rats]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2004;29(5):444-447.
Kim SH, Lee SE, Oh H, et al. The radioprotective effects of bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang: a prescription of traditional Chinesemedicine astragalus. J Chin Med. 2002;30(1):127-137.
Mao SP, Cheng KL, Zhou YF. [Modulatory effect of Astragalus membranaceus on Th1/Th2 cytokine in patients with herpes simplex keratitis]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2004;24(2):121-123.
Matkovic Z, Zivkovic V, Korica M, et al. Efficacy and safety of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Phytother Res. 2010;24:175-81.
Shao BM, Xu W, Dai H, et al. A study on the immune receptors for polysaccharides from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese medicinal herb. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004;320(4):1103-1111.
Shi FS, Yang ZG, Di GP. [Effect of Astragalus saponin on vascular endothelial cell and its function in burn patients]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2001;21(10):750-751.

Read more: Astragalus

***maturidi*** · 20 August 2012, 23:40

http://www.thorne.com/altmedrev/.fulltext/8/1/72.pdf

Astragalus membranaceus
Description
Astragalus membranaceus (Latin); membranous milk-vetch root (English), huang qi (Chinese), ogi (Japanese), and hwanggi (Korean) isone of the important “Qi tonifying” adaptogenic herbs from the Chinese materia medica. The Chinese species A. membranaceus and the related A. membranaceus var mongholicus (synonym: A. mongholicus) are defined in the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China as Radix Astragali. It has been prescribed for centuries for general weakness, chronic illnesses, and to increase overall vitality. The genus Astragalusis a very large group of more than 2,000 species distributed worldwide, and is commonly known as milkvetch root. Currently, much of the pharmacological research on Astragalus is focused on its immune-stimulating polysaccharides and other active ingredients useful in treating immune deficiency conditions. Astragalus has demonstrated a wide range of potential therapeutic applications in immunodeficiency syndromes, as an adjunct cancer therapy, and for its adaptogenic effect on the heart and kidneys. Astragalus root has been used to promote immune function and as a tonic to build stamina. Ancient Chinese textsrecord the use of Astragalus for tonifying the spleen, blood, and qi.
Traditional Indications
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Astragalus is classified as an herb that tonifies the qi and is indicated for symptoms of spleen qi deficiency such as diarrhea, fatigue, and lack of appetite.
1
It also
raises the yang qi of the spleen and stomach, thus addressing prolapses of organs such as the uterus, stomach, or anus. In this capacity it can also address uterine bleeding. Astragalus tonifies the lung qi and is used in cases of frequent colds, spontaneous sweating, and shortness of breath.
1
Other traditional indications include wasting disorders, night sweats,
2
chronic ulcerations and sores,
1
numbness and paralysis of the limbs, and edema (from deficiency).
1
Its properties are sweet and slightly warm. Astragalus is typically prescribed as a dried root, powdered, or in a decoction. lassically, it is prescribed in combination with other Chinese medicinal herbs, depending on the desired therapeutic effect and the specific TCM diagnosis.Active Constituents The main constituents of Astragalus membranaceus include polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids,amino acids, and trace elements.
3
Polysaccharides
The polysaccharides found in Astragalus have received a great deal of attention, especially the polysaccharide fraction F3. They have been shown to play a role in immunomodulatory actions. Polysaccharides A, B, and C have been identified as glucans, and polysaccharide D as a heteropolysaccharide.4Copyright©2003 Thorne Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No Reprint Without Written Permission Alternative Medicine Review ◆ Volume 8, Number 1 ◆ 2003 Page 73 Monograph Astragulus membranaceus
Triterpenoid Saponins(Astragalosides) Astragalus root contains a series of cycloartane triterpene glycosides denoted astragalosides I-VII (saponins), that are based on the aglycone cycloastragenol and contain from one to three sugars attached at the 3-, 6-, and 25-positions. 5-8 In the predominant astragalosides I-III, the 3-glucose is acetylated. Several saponins have alsobeen reported that are based on the oleanene skeleton.

9
Flavonoids
Using high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to analyze the flavonoids in the roots of Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus, eight flavonoids were identified, including calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside-6'-O-malonate (2), ononin, (6aR,11aR)-3-hydroxy-9,10-dimethoxypterocarpan-3-O-beta-D-glucoside, calycosin, (3R)-7,2'-dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyisoflavan-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, formononetin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside-6'-O-malonate, and formononetin.
10
Other Constituents Phytosterols, a volatile oil, and aminoacids, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and L-canavanine, have been isolated from the root.
11
Zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, calcium, potassium, sodium, cobalt,rubidium, molybdenum, chromium, vanadium, tin, and silver have also been found in the root of Astragalus, as well as traces of tantalum, hafnium, europium, and thorium. Organic compounds identified in the roots include choline, betaine, gluconic acid, and β-sitosterols, as well as aromatic
compounds, essential oil, linoleic acid, α-aminobutyric acid, bitter compounds, and asparagine.
4
Mechanisms of Action Research shows Astragalus root stimulates the immune system in many ways. Itincreases the number of stem cells in bone marrow and lymph tissue and encourages their development into active immune cells. It appears
to help trigger immune cells from a “resting” state into heightened activity. One study showed Astragalus root helps promote and maintain respiratory health. It also enhances the body’s production of immunoglobulin and stimulates macrophages. Astragalus can help activate T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells.
12
Several studies also show Astragalus proffers heart-protecting effects, including protection against oxidative damage. Additionally, the flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides found in Astragalus root help minimize free radical damage to membranes.
13-15
The flavonoids and saponins in Astragalus can significantly inhibit membrane lipid peroxidation generated by superoxide (O2
-), hydrogen peroxide (H2
O2
), and ultraviolet rays, while the polysaccharides of Astragalus possess weaker protective activity.
14
Astragalus has been shown to have inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative modification by copper. The results of a study showed the free radical scavenging effects were similar to, and stronger than, those of mannitol and superoxide dismutase, respectively, demonstrating inhibitory effects on oxidative stress induced by copper.
13
Clinical Indications
Current Western applications of Astragalus are primarily for restoring and strengthening the immune response, enhancing cardiovascular function, and increasing vitality. Indications supported by clinical trials include impaired immunity, adjunctive cancer treatment, and viral infections, including the common cold and cervical erosion associated with Herpes simplex. Western
preparations include dried root for decoction, liquid extract, tablets, and powdered root. Immune Modulation In mice, oral doses of Astragalus enhanced several aspects of immunity, including superoxide anion production by peritoneal macrophages,Page 74 Alternative Medicine Review ◆ Volume 8, Number 1 ◆ 2003 Astragulus membranaceus Monograph Copyright©2003 Thorne Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No Reprint Without Written Permission potentiation of phagocytic function, increased thymus weight, and proliferation of splenocytes.

11
Astragalus stimulated NK-cell activity of human peripheral blood lymphocytes and restored steroidinhibited NK-cell activity.
11
In other studies, Astragalus polysaccharides were shown to potentiate the immune-mediated antitumor activity of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and the activity of monocytes, improve the responses of lymphocytes from normal subjects and cancer patients,
16
and enhance NK-cell activity of normal subjects and patients with systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE).
17
The polysaccharide fraction F3 potentiated the lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cellinducing activity of IL-2 in cancer and AIDS patients.
18
To investigate the immune regulation of the flavonoids of Astragalus membranaceus,conoclonal antibody assays of changes in total T-cell count and subsets were taken before and after treatment in immunosuppressed mice. The LAK cell-inducing activity was also tested simultaneously by isotope technique. Results showed the flavonoids could promote the proliferation of
lymphocytes, raise the T-cell count, regulate the T-cell subsets, and elevate LAK cell-inducing activity induced by IL-2.
12
In an open, randomized clinical trial, 115 patients with leukopenia received a high dose of a concentrated Astragalus preparation (equivalent to 30 g Astragalus daily) or a low dose (equivalent to 10 g Astragalus daily) over a period of eight
weeks. In both groups there was a significant increase in average white blood cell counts after treatment (p<0.05). On the basis of these findings, the author suggests Astragalus is an effective treatment for leukopenia.
19
Astragalus has also been shown to possess in vitro antibacterial activity against Shigella dysenteriae, Streptococcus emolyticus, Diplococcus pneumonia, and Staphylococcus aureus.
2
Antiviral Activity In viral myocarditis patients given an oral Astragalus extract, enhanced T 3, T4 and T4 /T 8 cell ratios were demonstrated, suggesting improved immune response.
20
Patients with SLE have significantly decreased NK-cell activity when compared to normal controls. Pre-incubation of peripheral blood
mononuclear cells with Astragalus stimulated NKcell cytotoxicity in both SLE patients and healthy controls.
17
In a study by Yuan et al, Astragalus demonstrated significant protective effects in cultured rat heart cells against coxsackie B-2 virus when given in the early period of infection. According to the authors, the results suggest Astragalus should be valuable in preventing and treating acute myocarditis caused by coxsackie-B virus.
21
In another study by Yang et al, intramuscular injections of Astragalus for 3-4 months in patients with coxsackie-B viral yocarditis resulted in a significant increase in NK-cell activity. Their general condition and symptoms also improved and, compared with pretreatment levels, alpha- and gamma-interferon levels markedly improved. Patients treated with conventional
therapy demonstrated no improvement.
22
In a double-blind clinical trial by Qian et al, 235 patients with chronic cervicitis associated with human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16), Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections were divided into four groups receiving the following substances applied locally by gauze: (1) recombinant interferon-1 interferon (5 µg); (2) recombinant interferon-1
interferon (10 µg); (3) both interferon (5 µg) and Astragalus extract (0.5 mL of a 1:1 extract); or (4)Astragalus alone (0.5 mL of a 1:1 extract). Application of the substances was made twice weeklyfor three weeks. The Astragalus-plus-interferon
group demonstrated results similar to the highdose interferon group, with approximately 60 percent of patients showing striking improvement or complete resolution of the cervicitis. In the group of patients receiving Astragalus alone, only eight
percent had marked improvement, and none werecompletely cured. The authors conclude the Astragalus acted synergistically with the interferon
therapy.
23
Prior to the aforementioned study, a double-blind trial showed a similar result for 164 patients with cervical erosion associated with Herpes simplex virus infection. Antiviral activityAlternative Medicine Review ◆ Volume 8, Number 1 ◆ 2003 Page 75 Monograph Astragulus membranaceus Copyright©2003 Thorne Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No Reprint Without Written Permission is most likely due to increased immunity and possibly enhanced interferon production.11 Adjunct Cancer Therapy
Astragalus has been shown to increase resistance to the immunosuppressive effects of chemotherapy drugs, while stimulating macrophages to produce interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF).

24
The use of recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) in immunotherapy is limitedby the toxicity associated with higher doses. Astragalus and 100 U/mL of rIL-2 were compared with 1,000 U/mL of rIL-2 alone in an in vitro study on murine renal carcinoma cells. The Astragalus/ rIL-2 group had a tumor cell lysis rate of 88 percent, versus 86 percent in the group with 1,000 U/mL rIL-2 alone. This suggests a 10-fold potentiation of the in vitro antitumor activity of rIL-2-generated LAK cells.

25
The authors also suggest that by reducing the dosage required in treating cancer patients, the severe side effects of rIL-2 herapy (e.g., acute renal failure, capillary leakage syndrome, myocardial infarction, and fluid retention) might be reduced. These results were confirmed in another study where Astragalus potentiated the LAK cell-inducing activity of rIL-2 against an
Hs294T melanoma cell line. 18 More than 100 Chinese herbal formulas were screened and evaluated for their ability to
ameliorate the toxic side effects of anticancer agents. A formula including both Astragalus and Ligusticum – Shi-Quan-Da-Bu-Tang – was selected as most effective in stimulating hemopoietic factors and interleukin production. It was also
shown to potentiate the activity of chemotherapeutic agents, inhibit recurrence of malignancies, prolong survival, and reduce the adverse toxicities of radiotherapy and antineoplastic agents such as mitomycin, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, and
5-fluorouracil.
26
Lau et al showed a combination of a water extract of Astragalus membranaceus with Ligustrum lucidum (500 µg each i.p.) significantlyinhibited the growth of renal cell carcinoma in mice. The herbal extract combination restored depressed oxidative burst activity of splenic macrophages from tumor-bearing mice and improved the generation of LAK cells of splenocytes when
exposed to IL-2 in vitro.
27
Cardiovascular Disease The saponins contained in Astragalus were found to have a positive effect on heart function by inhibiting the formation of lipid peroxides in the myocardium and decreasing blood coagulation.

28
In another study, Astragalus was shown to strengthen left ventricular function and had an antioxidant effect in 43 patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction. After administration of Astragalus, the ratio of pre-ejection period/left ventricular ejection time was decreased, the superoxide dismutase activity of red blood cells wasincreased, and the lipid peroxidation content of plasma was reduced. Additionally, there was a significant difference between the Astragalus group and the control group in the aforementioned parameters. The authors suggest the antioxidant effect of Astragalus is one of the mechanisms of its cardiotonic action. 15 Astragaloside IV was isolated from Astragalus membranaceus and injected intravenously in 19 patients with congestive heart failure daily for two weeks. After two weeks, symptoms of chest pain and dyspnea were alleviated in 15 of 19 patients. Additionally, radionuclide ventriculography showed with statistical significance that left ventricular modeling improved, left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes diminished, and heart rate slowed from 88 beats/ minute to 65 beats/minute. The authors conclude two continuous weeks of injections with Astragaloside could improve left ventricular modeling and ejection function in patients with congestive heart failure.
29
In 92 patients with ischemic heart disease treated with Astragalus, significant relief fromangina was achieved, and the effective rate of electrocardiogram improvement was 82.6 percent.
30
In another study of 20 patients with angina pectoris given Astragalus for two weeks, cardiac output was significantly increased and, unlike digitalis, adenosine triphosphatase activity was not
inhibited.
31Page 76 Alternative Medicine Review ◆ Volume 8, Number 1 ◆ 2003 Astragulus membranaceus Monograph Copyright©2003 Thorne Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No Reprint Without Written PermissionGenitourinary and Renal Disorders Nephritis
Human studies indicate Astragalus membranaceus has a moderate diuretic action. 1 In an uncontrolled study Astragalus and
Angelica sinensis root, coupled with a high-protein diet, improved protein imbalance and serum protein in nephritic patients.11
Male Infertility Water extracts of 18 major Chinese medicinal plants were tested for sperm motility-enhancing activity in vitro. Only Astragalus membranaceus demonstrated a significant stimulatory effect on the sperm of healthy donors. Using a solution of 10 mg/mL, sperm motility was increased to 146.6 ± 22.6 percent of control.
32
Drug-Botanical Interactions Recombinant interleukin-2 can be potentiated 10-fold by Astragalus extract. 24 Recombinant interferon-1 can be therapeutically enhanced by Astragalus, thus improving the outcome in chronic viral cervicitis. 23
There is speculation Astragalus could theoretically offset or minimize the immunosuppressive effects of corticosteroids and
cyclosporine, based on its T-cell stimulating activity.

33 Dosage and Toxicity Astragalus is safe; doses as high as 100 g/kg of raw herb have been given by lavage to rats with no adverse effects.1 Astragalus can be given in tincture form at 2-4 mL three times daily.The LD50 of Astragalus in mice was determined to be approximately 40 g/kg when administered by intraperitoneal injection.
34
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***maturidi*** · 20 August 2012, 23:44

ScienceDirect.com - Vascular Pharmacology - Effects of Astragalus membranaceus and its main components on the acute phase endothelial dysfunction induced by homocysteine

Abstract

Objective

This study was designed to investigate the effects of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) and its main components, astragalus saponin (ASP), astragalus polysaccharide (APS) and aminobutyric acid (GABA), on homocysteine (Hcy) induced acute impairment of vascular tone and to explore whether the antioxidant mechanism was involved in AM protective effect.Methods

Inhibitory effects of Hcy and protective effects of AM and its main components on endothelium-dependent relaxation of aortic rings were determined by isometric tension recordings and nitric oxide signaling was assayed with ¹²⁵I-cGMP RIA Kit. Furthermore, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in endothelial cells was detected using 5-(6)- chloromethyl-2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (CM-H₂DCF-DA).Results

Hcy significantly inhibited endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) in a dose-dependent manner, and decreased cGMP levels increased by ACh in aorta. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase (SOD), AM, and ASP markedly attenuated inhibition of vasorelaxation and downregulation of cGMP level by Hcy, and APS exerted a tendency to reverse both of the depressive responses, while GABA had no similar effects. Additionally, partially impaired relaxation by Hcy was completely blocked due to the presence ofN(ω)-nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester (l-NAME), which could not be further altered by treatment with AM, ASP, APS or GABA. Finally, Hcy significantly increased intracellular ROS levels in endothelial cells as measured by CM-H₂DCF-DA fluorescence. SOD, AM, ASP, and APS, but not GABA, inhibited Hcy-stimulated ROS generation.Conclusion

This study demonstrated that AM and ASP, potently protected endothelium-dependent relaxation against the acute injury from Hcy through nitric oxide regulatory pathways, in which antioxidation played a key role.

Keywords

Astragalus membranaceus;
Homocysteine;
Polysaccharide;
Saponin;
Aminobutyric acid;
Thoracic aorta;
cGMP;
Reactive oxygen species

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