Cartaequin

This formula, rich in flavonoids, is intended to improve circulation of blood, regulate metabolism, and aid removal of excess fats in the blood. It is mainly aimed at rectifying disorders of the circulatory system, such as occurs with atherosclerosis and heart failure. Crataegus (hawthorn) has two primary applications in Chinese medicine: it aids digestion of fatty foods and elimination of excess fats from the blood and it vitalizes blood circulation. Carthamus is traditionally used to vitalize blood circulation; it is also now recognized as an anti-inflammatory (blood vessel inflammation is recognized as a contributor to cardiovascular diseases). Coenzyme Q10 is a key component of energy metabolism particularly important for cardiac function (its concentration in heart tissue is highest of any site in the body). It has also been shown that CoQ10 can protect the heart from the damaging effects of some drugs (e.g., doxorubicin). Vitamin E aids the absorption of CoQ10 and provides antioxidant activity as well enhancing cardiac function. Hippophae (sea buckthorn) is increasingly used in China as a therapy for cardiovascular disorders. For example, in a double-blind clinical trial involving patients with ischemic heart disease, the flavonoids of sea buckthorn were given for 6 weeks, resulting in a decrease in cholesterol level, improved cardiac function, and less angina compared to those receiving a control drug. Cartaequin replaces individual products that provide only CoQ10 or only crataegus (Chinese or Western Hawthorn), with the extra benefit of hippophae, carthamus, and vitamin E.*