Effects of L.F04, the active fraction of Lycopus lucidus, on erythrocytes rheological property.

Objective: To study the effects of L.F04, the active fraction of Lycopus lucidus, on erythrocytes rheological property so as to investigate its mechanism in promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis.

Method: The effects of L.F04 (used for treatment for 10 days in different dosages) on deformability, aggregation and membrane liquidity of erythrocytes (MLE) as well as whole blood apparent viscosity (eta(b)) were examined on the basis of rat model of blood-stasis syndrome induced by venous injection of high molecular weight dextran.

Result: As compared with the normal control group, the model group's RBC deformability and MLE were lower, and the aggregation of erythrocytes and eta(b) were higher. Compared with the model group, both L.F04 0.612 g/kg and 0.306 g/kg showed significant effect in improving deformability and inhibiting aggregation of red blood cells (RBC) and reducing blood viscosity. The trend of improving MLE was also shown.

Conclusion: L.F04 could significantly improve the abnormal rheological property of erythrocytes.