Flavonoids from Carya cathayensis Sarg. leaves inhibit carotid artery lesion formation induced by low blood flow.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of the total flavonoids (TFs) from the leaves of Carya cathayensis Sarg. against early development of atherosclerosis. An in vivo model of carotid arterial partial ligation was established in mice, and the effects of TFs were investigated by morphometric measurements, Cell proliferation measurement and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that TFs could reduce neointima area by 41%, and the adventitial thickening induced by partial ligation was remarkable inhibited by TFs treatment. medial SMCs proliferation was significantly inhibited in TFs treated group. Immunohistochemistry analyses demonstrated that mice with TFs treatment have significant less macrophages accumulation in adventitia. These findings indicated that TFs have inhibitory effect in early atherosclerosis lesion formation model and strong action on reduce the inflammation in vivo.