THE EFFECT OF DRACOCEPHALUM HETEROPHYLLUM BENTH ON THE TOLERANCE OF ACUTE HYPOXIA IN THE LIVING ORGANISM / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

A series of study of Dracocephalum heterophyllum Benth on the tolerance of acute hypoxia in animals is hereby summarized. Dracocephalum significantly increased the tolerance of acute hypoxia and promoted the process of adaptation. This effect may be due to the character of Dracocephalum to maintain normal energy metabolism through its action on the metabolism regulators. Different facetspertaining to the mechanisms of action of the drug have been studied (1)Nerve mediators——CA. Ach.5-HT, histamine. GABA. GA; (2) Hormones——corticosteroid. corticosterone, aldosterone. thyroxine.triiodothyronine; (3) CAMP; (4) Enzymes activity——cytochromase. succino-dehydrogenase and SOD.The results suggested that this plant had modulating effects on the above mentioned mediators. It obviously ameliorated the symptoms of acute hypoxia in Rhesus monkey under decompression. In field observation, it seemed also to have the effect of reducing the incidence and ameliorating the symptoms. of acute mountain sickness in man