Abstract
Studies were carried out on stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) to determine the cardiovascular effects of a traditional medicine extracted from the fungus Fuscoporia obliqua. The rats received either a hot-water extract of Fuscoporia or tap water for 60 days. Heart rate and blood pressure were measured in the tail and venous blood was analyzed for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and leukocyte number. Sections of the left ventricular wall were stained for alkaline phosphatase and dipeptidylpeptidase IV to distinguish the arteriolar from the venular portions of the capillaries. Capillary to myocyte ratio (C:M ratio) was also measured. Treated rats showed a significant decrease in arterial pressure, a mild increase in leukocyte and a trend towards a decrease in HbA1c. There was a trend towards an increase in total capillary density in the subendomyocardium accompanied by a decrease in the arteriolar capillary portions. C:M ratio showed no clear change. It is concluded that the hot-water extract of Fuscoporia has beneficial effects on cardiovascular function, hematological status and probably immunological function in SHRSP.