Therapeutic potential of Schisandra chinensis extracts for treatment of hypertension. Introduction to: 'Antihypertensive effect of gomisin A from Schisandra chinensis on angiotensin H-induced hypertension wia preservation of nitric oxide bioavailability' by Park et al.

摘要

Schisandra chinensis (SC) (wu wei zi, 'five flavor berry') (family Magnolia-ceae) is a medicinal plant whose fruits are commonly used in Asian traditional medicine for their sedative/hypnotic, hepatopro-tective and antioxidant properties. In 1979, lignan phytoestrogens, known as 'Gomisins', were first isolated as the active agents of SC. Since then numerous Gomisins (-A, -B, -C, -D, -F, -J, -G, -K, -N) have been described, and, as of 2012, a PubMed search for 'Gomisin' shows 102 citations, with 50% of these articles being pubEshed since 2005. Among the Gomisins, Gomisin A (GA) has been the one most widely studied (88 of 102 citations), owing to recent interest in its antihypertensive properties. In the current issue of Hypertension Research, Park et al consider several potential mechanisms underlying the benefits of GA for angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension.