Effects Of Ancient Chinese Herbal Formulas On Heart Health

It was suggested in a new study at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston that ancient Chinese herbal formulas mainly used for cardiovascular indications including heart disease may generate large amounts of artery-widening nitric oxide. The results from this study indicate that ancient Chinese herbal formulas "have profound nitric oxide bioactivity primarily through the enhancement of nitric oxide in the inner walls of blood vessels, but also through their ability to convert nitrite and nitrate into nitric oxide," said the study's senior author and an IMM assistant professor. 
Most Chinese herbal formulas marketed in the United States are not considered drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), said the study co-author and cardiology professor. They are considered dietary supplements and are not regulated as strictly as drugs.