TCM treatment of extrasystole with huanglian shengmai yin--a report of 357 cases.

The previous experimental studies have demonstrated that addition of Huang Qi ([symbol: see text] Radix Astragali) to the formulated recipe Sheng Mai Yin ([symbol: see text] Decoction for Pulse-activation) exerts the effects of strengthening the myodynamia, increasing the coronary flow, improving myocardial metabolism, and resisting the arrhythmia. The active component of Huang Lian ([symbol: see text] Rhizoma Coptidis) can prolong the myocardial action potential and antagonize the chloroform-, aconitine-, barium chloride-, epinephrine- or coronary ligation-induced arrhythmia by blocking the calcium channel. Ku Shen ([symbol: see text] Radix Sophorae Flavescentis) contains matrine and flavones, which act as quinidine to decrease the excitability of the myocardium, prolong the refractory period, and inhibit the ectopic cardiac rhythm. And Dan Shen ([symbol: see text] Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae) has the action of improving the ischemic state of the myocardium by dilating the coronary vessels. In conclusion, the definite therapeutic effects of Huang Lian Sheng Mai Yin in treating ventricular, atrial and nodal arrhythmia suggests that the prescription is rational and accords with the therapeutic principle of TCM. Except discomfort in the gastric cavity and poor appetite experienced by some patients, there is no toxic or adverse reaction.