Natural compound from Traditional Chinese Medicine shows promise in preventing coronary artery spasms

A team of researchers from Toho University has uncovered a potential new use for a naturally occurring compound, schisandrin A, found in the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Schisandra chinensis. The study, recently accepted for publication in the Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, demonstrates that schisandrin A can effectively relax pig coronary arteries, potentially paving the way for new treatments to prevent heart attacks caused by vascular spasms.

Understanding Coronary Spasms

Coronary artery spasms are sudden narrowings of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. These spasms can severely restrict blood flow and trigger angina or even heart attacks, particularly in people with no clear signs of artery blockage. They are often caused by chemical messengers such as acetylcholine, histamine, and serotonin.

Schisandrin A: A Natural Spasm Blocker

In laboratory tests using porcine (pig) coronary arteries, which closely resemble human arteries in function and structure, the researchers found that schisandrin A significantly reduced contractions triggered by a variety of known spasm-inducing agents. The compound worked by blocking specific calcium channels—known as L-type calcium channels—that control muscle contraction in the artery walls. In simpler terms, schisandrin A helps keep the arteries relaxed by preventing excessive calcium from entering the muscle cells.

Additionally, the compound showed mild anticholinergic properties—meaning it could also block signals from certain nerves that would otherwise cause the artery to tighten.

Relevance to Traditional Medicine

Schisandrin A is a key component of Shengmai San, a traditional Chinese herbal formula used for over 700 years to support heart health. While Shengmai San has been widely used in Asia to treat symptoms of heart disease, this study sheds new light on a possible mechanism: schisandrin A’s direct effect on artery contraction.

Moving Toward Clinical Application

Though the concentrations of schisandrin A used in this study were higher than what is typically seen in the bloodstream after oral consumption, injectable forms of Shengmai San may achieve similar levels. The researchers believe this opens the door for future studies on schisandrin A as a potential preventative agent for coronary artery spasms, especially in patients susceptible to chemically-induced vascular events.

“Our findings suggest that schisandrin A, a natural compound from traditional herbal medicine, could offer a novel approach to preventing coronary spasms,” said lead researcher Dr. Keisuke Obara. “This could ultimately contribute to reducing the risk of ischemic heart disease, still the leading cause of death globally.”