PULSE SPECTRUM STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF SIE-ZIE-TANG AND RADIX-ACONITI

Extracts of the traditional Chinese formula Sie-Zie-Tang as well as on e of its main components, Radix Aconiti were injected into rats intrap eritoneally to observe pressure wave spectrum changes at the caudate a rtery. We found that Radix Aconiti decreased the CO (DC term of the pu lse), C5 and C6 (the harmonic proportions of the 5th and the 6th harmo nic), but increased C2 and C3 (the harmonic proportions of the second and the third harmonic) significantly. For Sie-Zie-Tang, the increases of C2, C3, and C4 were accompanied by the decreasing of CO. The decre ases of C5, C6 were small and not significant. The additional ingredie nts in the formula reduce toxic side effects (arrhythmia or heart fail ure caused by faster and stronger heart beat) due to Radix Aconiti. Fo r human subjects, low dose Sie-Zie-Tang tends to normalize the Fourier components of the pressure wave. Orally taking the formula elevates t he harmonic proportion of the harmonic that is lower than normal, but suppresses the higher one. Our result provides a possible mechanism fo r heart meridian related herbs. It strengthens heart beats, and normal izes energy distribution to different meridians. The study on Sie-Zie- Tang reveals another formula construction to reduce toxic side effects .