“Qi-Invigorating” Chinese Tonic Herbs (Shens) Stimulate Mitochondrial ATP Generation Capacity in H9c2 Cardiomyocytes in Situ and Rat Hearts ex Vivo

Hoi Shan Wong, Weng Fat Cheung, Wai Ling Tang, Kam Ming Ko

Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Hong Kong, China.

DOI: 10.4236/cm.2012.32016                

Abstract

In the study, using ethanol extracts of Renshen (Panax ginseng C A Meyer), Xiyangshen (Panax quinquefolius L.) and Dangshen (Codonopsis pilosulae), we investigated the effect of these “Qi-invigorating” Chinese tonic herbs on mitochondrial ATP generation capacity (ATP-GC) in H9c2 cardiomyocytes in situ and rat hearts ex vivo. All three types of “Shens” stimulated mitochondrial ATP-GC, with Renshen being most potent. While a parallel enhancement in mitochondrial ATP-GC was observed in Renshen- and Xiyangshen-pretreated rats, Dangshen treatment did not produce detectable effect ex vivo. The discrepancy between in situ and ex vivo assays for Dangshen may be attributed by its limited oral-bioavailability to the heart. The tissue specific activity of Shens on mitochondrial ATP-GC may be explained by the “Meridian Theory” in traditional Chinese medicine.

Keywords

Qi; Chinese Medicine; ATP; Mitochondria; Cardiomyocytes

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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