Objective: To discuss the curative effects of Gushen Huazhuo decoction in treating renal damage during the early period in hypertension patients

and to investigate its influence on endothelin (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO). Method: Two hundred and twenty seven patients were randomly divided into the combined group (114 cases) and the western medicine group (113 cases). Patients in the western medicine group received 4-8 mg candesartan cilexetil tablets once daily based on the treatment of calcium antagonists. Based on the treatment of the western medicine group

patients in the combined group added Gushen Huazhuo decoction. All patients in both two groups received 12 weeks of treatment. 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure was monitored before and after therapy. Levels of urine micro albumin (MA)

β2-microglobulin (β2-MG)

urinary N-acetyl-β-D-amino glucosaminidase (NAG)

urinary transferrin (TRF) and cystatin C (CysC) were tested. Standards of serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

creatinine (Cr)

ET-1 and NO were detected before and after treatment. Result: The total comprehensive effective rate of the combined group was 86.84%

which was superior to that of 75.22% in the western group (P<0.05). After treatment

levels of 24-h average systolic blood pressure

24-h average diastolic blood pressure

nocturnal average systolic blood pressure (nASBP) and nocturnal average diastolic blood pressure (nADBP) in the combined group were lower than those in the western group (P<0.01). Standards of MA

NAG

β2-MG

TRF and CysC in the combined group were inferior to those in the western group (P<0.01). Before and after therapy

BUN and Cr changes in two groups have no statistical significance. ET-1 standard in combined group was lower

while NO level was higher in the combined group than those in the western group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Based on conventional western medicine treatment

Gushen Huazhuo decoction could reduce blood-pressure level in hypertension patients during the early period. It has certain protective effect for hypertensive renal impairment. Besides

the therapy clinical curative effect is superior to using western medicine treatment alone. Its action mechanisms may be related to regulating vascular endothelial activity.