guanxinkang decoction

Guanxinkang decoction (GXK) is a multi-herb traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation primarily investigated for its therapeutic potential in cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis. It is composed of ten medicinal herbs, including *Salvia miltiorrhiza*, *Astragalus membranaceus*, and *Panax notoginseng*. GXK exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects by modulating lipid profiles and resolving inflammation. Mechanistically, GXK promotes efferocytosis—the clearance of apoptotic cells—by upregulating proteins such as MERTK, TYRO3, and MFGE8. It also inhibits the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways (including ERK1/2, JNK, and p38) and the NF-κB pathway, leading to reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Preclinical studies in LDLR-/- mice have demonstrated its ability to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the size of atherosclerotic plaques.

Other names

Guanxinkang