Scientists tested a traditional Chinese medicine formula called Tanyu Tongzhi Formula (TTF) on mice with clogged arteries, similar to heart disease in humans. The herbal mixture helped reduce dangerous plaque buildup in blood vessels by boosting a helpful protein called IL-10. This protein helps immune cells called macrophages clean up dead cells and debris that can block arteries. While the results are promising, this research was only done in mice, so we don’t know yet if the same benefits would occur in people.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How a traditional Chinese herbal formula affects artery-clogging plaque in mice with heart disease
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice that were genetically modified to develop heart disease when fed a high-fat Western diet
  • Key finding: The herbal formula reduced dangerous plaque buildup and helped immune cells better clean up artery-blocking debris
  • What it means for you: This early research suggests certain herbal medicines might help heart health, but human studies are needed before making any treatment decisions

The Research Details

Researchers used specially bred mice that easily develop clogged arteries when fed unhealthy diets, similar to how humans develop heart disease. They fed these mice a Western-style high-fat diet for 8 weeks to create artery problems, then gave some mice the herbal formula for 12 additional weeks while others got no treatment. The scientists then examined the mice’s arteries under microscopes and used advanced genetic testing to see which genes were more or less active after treatment. They also created mice missing a specific helpful protein (IL-10) to test whether this protein was necessary for the herbal formula to work.

This type of mouse study is important because these animals develop artery problems very similar to humans, allowing scientists to test potential treatments safely before trying them in people

The study used multiple types of genetically modified mice and advanced testing methods, which strengthens the reliability of the findings, though results in mice don’t always translate to humans

What the Results Show

The herbal formula significantly reduced the size of dangerous plaques clogging the mice’s arteries. It also made these plaques more stable by increasing collagen content, which is important because unstable plaques are more likely to rupture and cause heart attacks. The treatment worked by dramatically increasing levels of IL-10, a protein that helps immune cells called macrophages function better. These macrophages became much better at a process called efferocytosis - essentially eating up dead cells and debris that contribute to artery blockages. When researchers used mice that couldn’t make IL-10 in their macrophages, the herbal formula didn’t work as well, proving this protein was crucial for the treatment’s success.

The researchers discovered that the formula works by activating a cellular pathway called NF-ฮบB, which then increases IL-10 production. They also identified two specific plants in the formula - Trichosanthes kirilowii and Acorus tatarinowii - as the key active ingredients responsible for the beneficial effects.

This study builds on previous human clinical trials that showed the same herbal formula helped people with chronic heart problems exercise longer and feel better, though those studies didn’t examine the biological mechanisms

This research was only conducted in mice, so we can’t be certain the same effects would occur in humans. The study also didn’t specify exact sample sizes or provide statistical significance values, making it harder to judge the strength of the findings.

The Bottom Line

While these results are encouraging, people should not start using this herbal formula for heart disease without consulting their doctor, as human safety and effectiveness studies are still needed

People interested in complementary medicine approaches to heart health should follow this research, but those with existing heart disease should stick with proven medical treatments

It could take several years of human clinical trials before we know if this herbal formula is safe and effective for treating heart disease in people

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Monitor heart-healthy lifestyle factors like daily steps, blood pressure readings, and adherence to prescribed heart medications
  • Focus on proven heart-healthy habits like regular exercise, eating more fruits and vegetables, and taking prescribed medications as directed
  • Track cardiovascular risk factors monthly and discuss any interest in complementary therapies with your healthcare provider during regular checkups

This research was conducted only in laboratory mice. Do not use herbal formulas to treat heart disease without consulting your healthcare provider. Always follow your doctor’s prescribed treatment plan for cardiovascular conditions.