Hemodynamic effects of "san-huang-hsieh-hsin-tang" in patients with essential hypertension.

The ancient Chinese formula of "San-Huang-Hsieh-Hsin-Tang" (S-T) was originally used for patients with "epigastric fullness, flushing, restlessness, constipation and a hard pulse" (Chang 115 B.C.). All these symptoms are frequently observed in patients with essential hypertension. We assessed the antihypertensive and hemodynamic effects of this formula, and found that S-T decreased blood pressure, total peripheral resistance, heart rate and cardiac contractile force. S-T had no apparent effects on cardiac output and blood volume.