RESUMEN
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the therapeutic effect of Jiangzhi Tiaoya Granule (JZTYG) in treating essential hypertension and its protection on function of vascular endothelial cells (VEC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-nine patients of essential hypertension divided into two groups were treated with JZTYG (the treated group) and Jinjia Yixintong (the control group) respectively. The changes of symptoms, signs, blood pressure, heart rate were observed and the levels of endothelin (ET), calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) content were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rates of JZTYG in lowering blood pressure and improving symptoms were both 90.0%, markedly effective rate in lowering blood pressure and improving symptoms was 36.7% and 60.0% respectively. The symptom improved in the treated group was better than that in the control group (P < 0.05). It also could reduce the plasma ET level (P < 0.05) and ET/CGRP ratio (P < 0.01), and increase the CGRP level (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>JZTYG has a promising clinical therapeutic effect in treating essential hypertension and is able to protect the VEC function.</p>