High quality Breviscapine

1. What is Breviscapine?

Answer: Breviscapine is a natural bioactive compound extracted from the Chinese herb Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz., commonly known as the "DengZhan" plant. It is not a single molecule but a standardized mixture of flavonoids, with scutellarin being its principal active component (typically making up over 85% of the extract).

2. What is its primary mechanism of action?

Answer: Breviscapine has multiple mechanisms that work synergistically, primarily targeting the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems:

• Improves Microcirculation & Blood Flow: It dilates blood vessels, particularly microvessels, and reduces blood viscosity.

• Neuroprotective: It protects brain cells (neurons) from damage caused by ischemia (lack of oxygen) and excitotoxicity.

• Antiplatelet Aggregation: It helps prevent excessive blood clot formation by inhibiting platelet clumping.

• Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory: It scavenges harmful free radicals and reduces inflammatory markers, which is crucial after events like a stroke.

• Endothelial Protection: It improves the function of the endothelium, the lining of blood vessels.

3. What are its main clinical uses?

Answer: Its primary use, approved by China's NMPA, is for the treatment of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases:

• Ischemic Stroke: To improve neurological function and recovery after an acute ischemic stroke.

• Cardiovascular Diseases: Used as an adjunct therapy for angina pectoris and coronary heart disease.

• Diabetic Complications: Used to treat diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy by improving microcirculation.

• Vertigo and Tinnitus: Often used for symptoms related to vertebrobasilar insufficiency.

4. How is it typically administered?

Answer: Breviscapine is most commonly administered intravenously in a clinical setting (e.g., Breviscapine Injection). It is also available in oral forms, such as Breviscapine Tablets or Dispersible Tablets, for longer-term maintenance therapy. The intravenous route allows for rapid onset of action in acute situations.

5. What is the difference between Breviscapine and Scutellarin?

Answer: This is a crucial distinction:

• Scutellarin is the specific single flavonoid glycoside molecule that is the main active ingredient.

• Breviscapine is the standardized botanical drug extract derived from the Erigeron breviscapus plant, which is enriched for scutellarin but also contains other minor flavonoids and compounds that may contribute to its overall therapeutic effect through synergy.