“Qi-Invigorating” Chinese Tonic Herbs (<i>Shens</i>) Stimulate Mitochondrial ATP Generation Capacity in H9c2 Cardiomyocytes <i>in Situ</i> and Rat Hearts <i>ex Vivo</i>

Abstract

In the study, using ethanol extracts of Renshen ( Panax ginseng C A Meyer), Xiyangshen ( Panax quinquefolius L.) and Dangshen ( Codonopsis pilosulae ), we investigated the effect of these “Qi-invigorating” Chinese tonic herbs on mitochondrial ATP generation capacity (ATP-GC) in H9c2 cardiomyocytes in situ and rat hearts ex vivo . All three types of “ Shens ” stimulated mitochondrial ATP-GC, with Renshen being most potent. While a parallel enhancement in mitochondrial ATP-GC was observed in Renshen - and Xiyangshen -pretreated rats, Dangshen treatment did not produce detectable effect ex vivo . The discrepancy between in situ and ex vivo assays for Dangshen may be attributed by its limited oral-bioavailability to the heart. The tissue specific activity of Shens on mitochondrial ATP-GC may be explained by the “Meridian Theory” in traditional Chinese medicine.