Tongqiaohuoxue Hinders Development and Progression of Atherosclerosis: A Possible Role in Alzheimer’s Disease

摘要

Alzheimer’s disease and coronary heart disease are two ever-increasing major health concerns worldwide. Scientific studies revealed a link between Alzheimer’s disease and atherosclerosis, a major causality of coronary heart disease. Herbal medicine has been widely prescribed to treat Alzheimer’s disease and atherosclerosis. In the current study, we explored the possible therapeutic effect of Tongqiaohuoxue, a herbal medicine developed during the Qing dynasty of China for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, on Alzheimer’s disease and atherosclerosis. We discovered Tongqiaohuoxue showed therapeutic effects not only on atherosclerosis but also on Alzheimer’s disease. Tongqiaohuoxue treatment into the animal model of Alzheimer’s disease and atherosclerosis attenuated atherosclerotic plaque and brain amyloid formations, abnormalities that are characteristic of coronary heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease, respectively. Based on these findings, Tongqiaohuxue showed promising therapeutic effects for the treatment of patients with both Alzheimer’s disease and coronary heart disease.