Title : Elsholtzia ciliata's antiarrhythmic and vasorelaxant potential: A comprehensive biophysical evaluation
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases, including arrhythmias, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension, are significant global health concerns, with arrhythmias contributing notably to morbidity and mortality. Over 40% of adults aged 25 and older suffer from hypertension, particularly prevalent in underdeveloped regions due to poor nutrition and limited healthcare access. Existing pharmacological treatments often exhibit proarrhythmic side effects and limited impact on mortality, underscoring the need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Therefore, herbal medicine remains a valuable source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. This study introduces Elsholtzia ciliata (Lamiaceae), a traditional medicinal plant used widely in Asian medicine, and explores its essential oil (EO) as a potential candidate for cardiovascular therapy. Phytochemical analysis of Lithuanian-grown Elsholtzia ciliata EO revealed 48 compounds, predominantly ketones (92%), specifically dehydroelsholtzia ketone and elsholtzia ketone. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that these ketones are responsible for the EO’s pharmacological effects on cardiovascular function. A Langendorff-perfused rabbit heart model was employed to assess these effects, utilizing microelectrode and optical mapping techniques to evaluate cardiac electrical activity under controlled conditions. The results demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in action potential amplitude, conduction velocity, and maximal upstroke velocity (dV/dtmax), indicating sodium channel blockade-like class IB antiarrhythmic agents. Furthermore, in vivo studies on anesthetized pigs revealed that intravenous EO administration significantly induced vasodilation and decreased arterial blood pressure. The electrocardiographic analysis revealed increased QRS duration and reduced QT intervals, confirming antiarrhythmic efficacy. Complementary in vitro rat aortic studies indicated pronounced vasorelaxant effects, likely mediated through α?-adrenergic receptor inhibition. Safety evaluations, including acute and sub-chronic toxicity assessments in Balb/c mice, demonstrated favorable safety profiles, confirmed by hematological, biochemical, mitochondrial, and histopathological analyses. These findings position Elsholtzia ciliata EO as a promising natural antiarrhythmic and vasorelaxant agent. Further research is needed to clarify precise mechanisms, optimize dosing, and evaluate clinical translational potential.
