OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Jiangya Capsule (JYC) on serum levels of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA), and plasma concentration of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and homocysteine (Hcy) in patients with senile simple systolic hypertension.

METHODSRandomized, double-blinded controlled method was adopted, the patients were divided into two groups, the treated group treated with JYC and the control group treated with Nimodipine. Changes of blood pressure, serum level of NOS and MDA, and plasma concentration of NPY and Hcy were observed.

RESULTSThe effect of lowering blood pressure in the two groups were similar with insignificant difference (u = 0.24, P > 0.05). The total effective ratio in alleviating TCM syndrome was 90% (18/20) in the treated group and 60% (9/15) in the control group, comparison between them showed significant difference (u = 2.18, P < 0.05). After treatment, the NOS activity increased and MDA, NPY and Hcy levels decreased in the treated group, which showed significant difference as compared with those before treatment, and the improvement were better than those in the control group (all P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). While in the control group after treatment, only level of MDA was lowered significantly (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONJYC has good effect in treating senile simple systolic hypertension, it also could increase the NOS activity, lower the serum MDA level, obviously reduce the plasma concentration of Hcy and NPY.