Medicinal Plant Research 2025, Vol.15, No.5, 214-223 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 220 7 Case Studies 7.1A. sinensis polysaccharides in atherosclerosis prevention Angelica sinensis polysaccharides (ASP) have anti-inflammatory effects, and can regulate lipid metabolism, which are crucial in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Studies have shown that, ASP can down-regulate pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit oxidative stress, and these two are precisely the core mechanisms of the occurrence and progression of atherosclerotic lesions (Chen et al., 2024; Ren et al., 2025). Besides, ASP also can improve lipid levels by regulating lipid metabolism-related pathways, thereby reducing plaque formation and lowering vascular inflammation (Chen et al., 2024). By reducing inflammation and oxidative damage, ASP can enhance the stability of atherosclerotic plaques, which is crucial for preventing plaque rupture and subsequent cardiovascular events. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties not only maintain vascular integrity, but also reduce the risk of complications caused by unstable plaques (Chen et al., 2024). 7.2 Volatile oils in ischemic stroke therapy The volatile oil and its active components (Z-ligustilide and ferulic acid) in A. sinensis, exhibit neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke models. These components can reduce neuronal apoptosis, inhibit inflammatory responses, and promote angiogenesis and neural regeneration, alleviating cerebral ischemic injury (Han et al., 2021; Chen et al., 2024). Animal and cell experiments have shown that, A. sinensis can improve cerebral blood flow, promote angiogenesis, and reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory damage by regulating signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and Nrf2, thereby demonstrating neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion models (Figure 3). The mechanism of action of A. sinensis, shows multi-target characteristics. It not only alleviates nerve cell damage, but also improves vascular endothelial function, and inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing the volume of cerebral infarction and promoting functional recovery. Figure 3 The main effects and mechanisms of Angelica sinensis on the treatment of ischemic stroke (Adopted from Han et al., 2021) Image caption: The main active components of Angelica sinensis (such as ferulic acid, ligustilide, and polysaccharides) alleviate neuronal damage after cerebral ischemia through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic effects, and by promoting angiogenesis. Meanwhile, related signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and Nrf2 are activated, which helps maintain cell survival and functional recovery (Adapted from Han et al., 2021)
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