DOES PERLINGUALLY APPLICATED G-STROPHANTH IN PRODUCE NO PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS

The aim of this randomized, double blind crossover study was to test w hether haemorheological and haematological variables are modified afte r perlingual application of g-strophanthin. Twenty healthy volunteers (average age: 31.6 +/- 5.3 years) were submitted to two standardized b ycicle ergometries (submaximal physical stress). Half an hour before t he start of the first ergometry 10 volunteers took 2 capsules of g-str ophanthin perlingually; placebo was applicated before the second ergom etry following after one week (washout period). With the other 10 subj ects the sequence of verum and placebo was reverse (according to a cro ssover design). Instantly before and after as well as 2 and 4 hours af ter ergometry blood samples were drawn from a cubital vein, and haemor heological and haematological variables were measured. As expected in all volunteers haemoconcentration caused by acute physical stress was observed. After taking g-strophanthin red cell aggregation was signifi cantly higher decreased 2 hours after ergometry (compared to placebo). Similarly plasma and whole blood viscosity (at low shear rate) demons trated a significantly higher increase 2 hours after ergometry. After taking verum the increase of the absolute and relative counts of lymph ocytes/monocytes was significantly lower instantly after the ergometry (compared to placebo). 4 hours after ergometry a higher absolute coun t of white cells was observed after taking g-strophanthin (compared to placebo). These results suggest that haemorheological and haematologi cal variables are modified after perlingual application of g-strophant hin.