Objective: To study the angiogenesis promoting effect of
Shexiang Baoxin Pill (SXBXP) on
chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane
(CAM) and cultured microvascular endothelial cells (MVEC). Methods: Using recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and normal saline as positive and negative controls, the angiogenesis promoting effect of SXBXP on CAM was estimated primarily by counting the first and second grade vessels, which was then verified through observing the effect of SXBXP on the proliferation and tube formation of MVEC. The mechanism was studied by estimating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), bFGF mRNA expression and their content in supernatant of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Results: Number of vessels in CAM and MVEC, and tube formation after SXBXP treatment were obviously more than those after treated with normal saline. Furthermore, VEGF and bFGF content and their mRNA expression in supernatant of HUVEC culture in the SXBXP group were higher than those in the control group. Conclusion: SXBXP could promote angiogenesis in CAM and MVEC.