On the coronary and cardiotonic action of crataemon.

Crataemon contains the purified flavonoid mixture of Crataegus monogyna. Flowmetric studies of dog coronary blood flow show that it increases after intravenous application of 2 mg/kg crataemon. This increase is statistically significant and lasts about 30 min, with no significant changes in the heart rate and ECG. In experiments on cats it has been found that only the high crataemon doses have a bradycardic effect. Influence on the blood pressure is insignificant and brief. The minute cardiac volume and the cardiac index increase after all doses tested. The work of the left ventricle is also increased, which is considered to be favourable under conditions of operative shock. The general peripheral resistance is much less inhibited, most active being the highest dose tested.