Chinese herbs and cardiovascular health for the elderly: What you need to know
As we age, our blood vessels tend to deteriorate, leading to reduced blood flow and organ dysfunction. Aging blood vessels can also cause various artery disorders, including hypertension, cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, and aortic dissection. To address these issues, traditional Chinese medicine has long used "kidney supplements" to promote healthy aging.
"Kidney supplements" are a type of Chinese herbal medicine that aim to support kidney function. Examples of such supplements include "Liuweidihuangwan," "Bawei Dihuangwan," and "Niucheshenqiwuan," which consist of six, eight, and ten types of herbs, respectively. These supplements have a similar composition, but they differ in their specific effects on blood vessels and aging.
Studies have shown that "Liuweidihuangwan," "Bawei Dihuangwan," and "Niucheshenqiwuan" can all help to relax rat aortas contracted with norepinephrine, which is associated with vascular endothelium-dependent relaxing action. However, the intensity of this effect changes with age. "Liuweidihuangwan" has a low effect on elderly rats, while "Bawei Dihuangwan" and "Niucheshenqiwuan" maintain their effectiveness in promoting vascular endothelium-dependent relaxation in older rats. Therefore, "Liuweidihuangwan" may be more suitable for young people, while "Bawei Dihuangwan" and "Niucheshenqiwuan" may be better for the elderly.
In addition to their effects on blood vessels, "Kidney supplements" also have a water-utilizing effect, regulate urine volume, and can help reduce edema. The vascular relaxing action of "Bawei Dihuangwan" and "Niucheshenqiwuan" may also improve peripheral circulation, especially in the elderly, and can be effective for symptoms such as edema and cold sensation in the limbs.
Overall, "Kidney supplements" have the potential to be used clinically to improve cardiovascular health in the elderly. However, further research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and efficacy. Nonetheless, the long history of traditional Chinese medicine and the promising results of recent studies suggest that "Kidney supplements" may be a valuable tool for promoting healthy aging and preventing age-related cardiovascular diseases.