The Chinese holly prevents ischemic heart disease

Earlier studies have shown that holly (Ilex) plants contain antioxidant, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. In a study published in the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines, researchers found that the Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta) also has cardioprotective properties.

• A team of researchers from Soochow University and Guizhou University in China explored the cardioprotective and antioxidant effects of the Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta) against cardiac diseases.
• The research team used the extracts of the root of the Chinese holly plant for the in vitro and in vivo models.
• To measure the antioxidants of the Chinese holly root extract, they used 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging and MTT assay, as well as an immunoassay.
• They used a rat model of myocardial ischemia to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of the Chinese holly root extract in vivo.
• The researchers found eight compounds in the extract that exhibited free-radical scavenging activities.
• The extract was also found to increase cell viability and prevent the death of cardiac muscle cells.
• In the mouse model of myocardial ischemia, the extract attenuated the changes in heart tissues caused by the condition.

The findings of the study suggested that the Chinese holly root extract contains cardioprotective and antioxidant properties and could be used as a new food supplement to prevent ischemic heart disease.

Read the full text of the study at this link.

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Journal Reference:

Yuan Y, Pan S, Yang SL, Liu YL, Xu QM. ANTIOXIDANT AND CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF ILEX CORNUTA ON MYOCARDIAL ISCHEMIA INJURY. Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines. 20 February 2017; 15(2): 94-104. DOI: 10.1016/S1875-5364(17)30025-0