In a groundbreaking study recently published in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, researchers have revealed significant findings related to the role of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) combined with ligustrazine as an adjunctive therapy for primary hypertension. This research articulates the effects of the treatment on serum biomarkers, offering insights into the underlying physiological changes that may benefit patients suffering from hypertension.
Primary hypertension affects millions globally, characterized by persistently high blood pressure that can lead to severe cardiovascular complications. Traditional management of this condition often includes lifestyle modifications and the use of antihypertensive medications. However, many patients seek complementary therapies to enhance treatment efficacy, which is where Danshen ligustrazine comes into play. The herbal compound has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is gaining traction in scientific circles for its potential therapeutic benefits.
In a meticulously designed clinical trial, the researchers recruited a cohort of patients diagnosed with primary hypertension. Participants were divided into two groups—one receiving standard therapy combined with Danshen ligustrazine injections, and the other receiving standard therapy alone. This robust methodology enabled the researchers to draw meaningful comparisons regarding the treatment’s effectiveness.
One of the pivotal aspects of the study was the evaluation of serum levels of various biomarkers associated with hypertension. The researchers specifically focused on salusins, catestatin, MMP-2, MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1). These biomarkers were selected due to their established roles in cardiovascular health and their correlation with hypertension pathophysiology. The findings from this research could pave the way for enhanced monitoring of patient health and more personalized treatment approaches.
Notably, the outcomes revealed that patients receiving the Danshen ligustrazine treatment exhibited significant reductions in serum salusins and catestatin levels compared to those on standard therapy alone. Salusins are peptides that have been implicated in regulating blood pressure and could represent a novel frontier in hypertensive treatment strategies. Additionally, catestatin is involved in the modulation of sympathetic nervous system activity, which is crucial for blood pressure regulation. The observed changes suggest that the combined treatment may mitigate hypertension through both direct and indirect channels.
The study also delved into the workings of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), specifically MMP-2 and MMP-9, which are enzymes involved in tissue remodeling and inflammatory processes. Elevated levels of these enzymes have been associated with cardiovascular diseases, making them critical targets for hypertension management. The administration of Danshen ligustrazine resulted in decreased levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9, indicating an anti-inflammatory effect that could contribute to cardiovascular health.
TIMP-1, the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases, serves to regulate the activity of MMPs, suggesting a balance between tissue degradation and repair. The study indicated that serum levels of TIMP-1 were significantly improved in patients receiving the intervention. This finding underscores the potential of Danshen ligustrazine to not only diminish detrimental MMP activity but also restore a healthier state of tissue homeostasis.
The implications of these findings are profound. As hypertension remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, identifying safe and effective adjunctive therapies could revolutionize current treatment paradigms. The incorporation of herbal medicine into hypertension management aligns with the rising trend in holistic approaches to health that prioritize patient-centered care and natural remedies.
Furthermore, the study’s results may shed light on the mechanisms through which Danshen ligustrazine exerts its beneficial effects. The antihypertensive properties attributed to this herbal compound may be partly mediated by its ability to influence the aforementioned biomarkers, opening up avenues for further research into their roles in hypertension and cardiovascular health.
While the findings are noteworthy, the authors of the study emphasized the necessity for larger trials to validate these results and confirm the durability of treatment effects. Investigating long-term safety and efficacy, as well as potential side effects, are also crucial for establishing comprehensive guidelines for the use of Danshen ligustrazine in clinical practice.
In addition, there will be a need to explore the biochemical pathways that underpin the interactions between Danshen ligustrazine and the identified biomarkers. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms can help optimize dosages and treatment protocols, ensuring that patients achieve the best possible outcomes with minimal adverse effects.
This exploration into adjunctive therapies not only highlights the innovative strides being made in hypertension treatment but also emphasizes the need to foster a greater appreciation for the integration of traditional medicine within modern healthcare frameworks. The results signal a promising direction for future research endeavors, with the potential to transform lives and improve health outcomes for millions facing primary hypertension.
As the scientific community continues to unveil the intricacies of hypertension and its management, studies like this one illuminate the path forward. With ongoing advancements in research methodologies and an expanding repertoire of therapeutic options, the future of hypertension treatment looks increasingly hopeful.
Overall, the journey toward fully understanding and effectively managing primary hypertension progresses with collaborative efforts in research, clinical practice, and the integration of traditional and modern medical strategies. Such studies not only cultivate knowledge but also inspire innovation in the quest to alleviate the burden of hypertension on society.
Subject of Research: The effects of Danshen ligustrazine injection as adjuvant therapy on serum levels of salusins, catestatin, MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 in patients with primary hypertension.
Article Title: The effect of danshen ligustrazine injection as adjuvant therapy on serum levels of salusins, catestatin, MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 in patients with primary hypertension.
Article References:
Hong, D., He, C., Dai, W. et al. The effect of danshen ligustrazine injection as adjuvant therapy on serum levels of salusins, catestatin, MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 in patients with primary hypertension. BMC Complement Med Ther 25, 347 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-05017-3
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-025-05017-3
Keywords: hypertension, Danshen, ligustrazine, adjuvant therapy, biomarkers, salusins, catestatin, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1.
