The therapeutic effects of Lagopsis supina (Steph. ex Willd.) Ikonn.-Gal. fractions in trauma-induced blood stasis model rats

BACKGROUND: Lagopsis supina (Steph. ex Willd.) Ikonn.-Gal. has been a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of blood stasis, inflammation, and diuresis. Moreover, Huo Xue Li Shui theory was an important TCM theory that used to treat many ailments. Nevertheless, the scientific connotation of this theory has not been clearly elucidated so far. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to explore the scientific connotation of Huo Xue Li Shui with promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis (PBCRBS), anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects in trauma-induced blood stasis model (TBSM) rats, taking microporous adsorption resin with water (LSB) and 30% ethanol (LSC) elution fractions from L. supina as a classical demonstration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 48 rats were randomly assigned into six groups (n = 8/group): the control group, the model group, and model groups treatment with LSB or LSC. The biochemical parameters and protein expression were measured using kit method and Western blot assay, respectively. RESULTS: Both LSB and LSC were effective in elevating body weight, food consumption, and water intake in model rats. In PBCRBS efficacy evaluation, LSB and LSC remarkably improved histopathological tissues. On the other hand, LSB and LSC prominently decreased the contents of plasma viscosity, platelet aggregation rate, thrombin time, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, thromboxane B2, thromboxane B2/6-keto-prostaglandin F1α, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1), PAI-1/tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), and PAI-1/u-PA, while significantly enhanced the contents of antithrombin III, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α, and t-PA. In parallel, LSB and LSC obviously down-regulated the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-8, and remarkably up-regulated the level of IL-10. In determining diuretic activities, LSB and LSC prominently elevated urinary excretion volume and the level of atriopeptin, and remarkably reduced the levels of angiotensin II, anti-diuretic hormone, aldosterone, aquaporin 1 (AQP1), AQP2, and AQP3. In addition, LSB and LSC clearly suppressed protein expressions of AQP1, AQP2, and AQP3. Finally, LSB and LSC did not caused urinary pH, Na(+), and Cl(−) electrolytes and had minor effects on K(+) and Ca(2+) concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: LSB and LSC exhibited prominent PBCRBS, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic effects in TBSM rats, thereby supported the traditional folk use of L. supina. This study successfully provided an experimental basis for the scientific connotation of Huo Xue Li Shui.