Comparative cardioprotective effects of Kuanxiong Aerosol and its individual components in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction.

CONTEXT: Kuanxiong Aerosol (KXA), composed of volatile oils from sandalwood (Santalum album L.), galangal (Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma), asarum (Asari Radix), pepper (Piper longum L.), and borneol, is used to treat cardiovascular conditions. However, its scientific basis and the contribution of its individual components remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the chemical composition, dose-dependent efficacy, and cardioprotective effects of KXA and its individual components in a rat acute myocardial infarction (AMI) model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: KXA and its components were characterized using GC-MS. AMI was induced in rats by left anterior descending (LAD) ligation. Animals were pretreated with low-dose (120 µL/kg) or high-dose (200 µL/kg) KXA, its individual components (120 µL/kg), or isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN; 5 mg/kg). Cardioprotective effects were assessed via electrocardiography, TTC staining, histopathology, hemodynamics, and serum cardiac biomarkers. RESULTS: Low-dose KXA provided significant cardioprotection, improving ST-segment elevation, infarct size, histopathology, hemodynamic, and biochemical markers, with efficacy comparable or more pronounced to ISMN. In contrast, high-dose KXA was less effective. Sandalwood and asarum oils were the primary anti-ischemic agents, while galangal oil, pepper oil, and borneol provided complementary anti-fibrotic and hemodynamic support. However, individual components or high doses exhibited limited efficacy and potential adverse effects. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: KXA's cardioprotection stems from the synergistic action of its components targeting ischemia, fibrosis, inflammation, and cardiac dysfunction. This study provides evidence supporting the cardioprotective potential of low-dose, multi-component KXA, indicating that such balanced formulations may offer broader benefits than high-dose or single-agent approaches. Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and refine the formulation for clinical translation.