Clinical efficacy of Stragol™ herbal heart drop in ischemic heart failure of stable chest angina

Introduction: Medicinal plants possessing significant beneficial properties are an ideal choice as complementary medicinal strategies. Positive effects of medicinal plants on the cardiovascular system have been consistently reported. Here, we report the improvement of exercise tolerance of patients suffering from stable chest angina as a result of reduction in serum lipids by administration of Stragol (TM) oral drop, a consortium of seven medicinal plant extracts. Methodology: Forty patients suffering from stable chest angina were treated with or without Stragol (TM) herbal heart drop for four weeks besides taking conventional medicines. The study assessed the effects of Stragol (TM) on critical influential factors in cardiovascular functions, i.e., serum lipids, blood sugar and exercise tolerance. Biochemical examination of blood for serum lipids and blood sugar was performed before and after treatment in both experimental and control groups. Results: Analysis of data revealed a considerable reduction in serum LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglyceride in experimental group. In addition, a significant improvement in exercise tolerance of the patients was observed after treatment with Stragol (TM), most likely by reducing the level of blood lipids and resultant reduction of atherosclerosis. Conclusion: Four weeks administration of seven medicinal plant extracts with high levels of glycosides and flavonoids in the form of Stragol (TM) oral drop is an effective complementary strategy to significantly lower the risk of atherosclerosis and downstream heart problems. (C) 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.