Shenfu Injection Applications in Cardiovascular and Sepsis Management
Summary
Shenfu injection, derived from Panax ginseng and processed Aconitum carmichaelii, has been integrated into clinical practice for the management of cardiovascular disorders and sepsis for over three decades. Its principal constituents—ginsenosides and aconitum alkaloids—act synergistically to promote vasodilation, attenuate oxidative stress and suppress excessive inflammatory responses. In cardiovascular settings, Shenfu injection mitigates myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion injury, enhances endothelial function via up-regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and engages the PI3K/Akt signalling cascade to preserve contractile performance. In sepsis and septic shock, it supports haemodynamic stability, facilitates lactate clearance and modulates cytokine release to protect organ function. Emerging evidence from both experimental models and clinical cohorts highlights its potential as an adjunctive therapy in complex systemic pathologies characterised by vascular dysfunction and dysregulated immunity.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Shenfu Injection Applications in Cardiovascular and Sepsis Management publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in shenfu injection applications in cardiovascular and sepsis management across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Ginsenosides: steroid glycosides extracted from Panax ginseng, noted for cardiovascular and immunomodulatory activities.
Aconitum alkaloids: bioactive compounds from processed Aconitum species, contributing inotropic and vasodilatory effects.
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS): enzyme in vascular endothelium responsible for nitric oxide synthesis and vascular relaxation.
PI3K/Akt signalling pathway: intracellular cascade regulating cell survival, metabolism and endothelial function.
Lactate clearance: the rate of removal of lactate from the bloodstream, reflecting tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery.
Microcirculation: circulation through the smallest blood vessels—capillaries, arterioles and venules—essential for nutrient and gas exchange.
Septic shock: a severe subset of sepsis marked by persistent hypotension and organ dysfunction despite fluid resuscitation.
References
- Shenfu injection: a review of pharmacological effects on cardiovascular diseases. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2024).
- Shenfu Injection Promotes Vasodilation by Enhancing eNOS Activity Through the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway In Vitro. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2020).
- Shen‐Fu Injection Preconditioning Inhibits Myocardial Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury in Diabetic Rats: Activation of eNOS via the PI3K/Akt Pathway. BioMed Research International (2010).
- Effects of combination therapy with Shenfu Injection in critically ill patients with septic shock receiving mechanical ventilation: A multicentric, real-world study. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2022).
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.