The Potential Health Value of Geum japonicum Extract in Cardiac Repair

Introduction

After a heart attack (myocardial infarction, MI), damaged heart muscle tissue has very limited capacity for self-regeneration. Adult cardiomyocytes rarely proliferate, so infarcted areas are typically replaced by scar tissue rather than functional heart muscle. While medical approaches such as stem cell transplantation have been tested, they often fail to generate integrated, functional myocardium. This has driven researchers to explore ways of enhancing the body’s endogenous regenerative capacity, particularly by stimulating stem cells to differentiate into heart muscle cells.

Intriguingly, clues have come from the Miao ethnic group in Guizhou, China, who exhibit longevity that may be partly attributed to their traditional herbal medicine practices. Screening these herbs led researchers to identify Geum japonicum, a plant used in traditional medicine, as a promising candidate. Early studies showed that extracts from this plant (EGJ) promoted myocardial regeneration in animal models of heart attack. Researchers then set out to isolate the active compound and investigate its therapeutic effects.

Scientific Evidence

Isolation of the active compound: Using bioassay-guided fractionation, researchers isolated a compound from Geum japonicum called cardiogenin (chemically identified as Niga-ichigoside F1). Though it constitutes less than 0.1% of the dried plant, cardiogenin showed potent activity in promoting heart regeneration.

Acute MI model: In rats with experimentally induced heart attacks, oral administration of EGJ or cardiogenin significantly reduced infarct size and promoted regeneration. After 14 days, the infarcted area in treated rats was only ~18–20% of total left ventricular volume, compared to ~36% in untreated controls. Importantly, newly formed cardiomyocyte-like cells, confirmed by proliferation and cardiac-specific markers, populated the infarct zone. Functionally, echocardiography revealed that treated animals showed progressive recovery of left ventricular wall motion and significant improvement in cardiac performance. For example, ejection fraction (LVEF) improved by ~50% (from ~40% to ~60%) after four weeks of treatment, whereas control animals continued to deteriorate.

Chronic (“old”) MI model: Even when treatment began two weeks after infarction (when scar tissue had already formed), cardiogenin still improved heart function, restored wall motion, and prevented further dilation of the ventricle. This suggests the extract has potential benefit not only in acute but also in chronic stages of heart damage.

Vascular regeneration: Treated hearts also showed increased capillary density in the infarct zone, suggesting enhanced angiogenesis to support new heart tissue.

Together, these findings demonstrate that EGJ and its active component cardiogenin can regenerate heart tissue, reduce scarring, and restore cardiac function in both acute and chronic MI models.

Mechanism of Action

The therapeutic effect of EGJ and cardiogenin lies in their ability to activate the body’s own mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).

Cardiomyogenic differentiation:In vitro studies showed that >90% of MSCs treated with EGJ or cardiogenin expressed early cardiac lineage markers (MEF2, GATA4). Over 70% became rod-shaped and expressed cardiac-specific GFP reporters, compared to <6% in controls. This indicates a strong boost in stem cell differentiation efficiency.
Signaling pathways:Gene expression profiling revealed activation of Wnt, TGF-β/BMP, JAK-STAT, and NF-κB pathways — all crucial for heart development and regeneration. BMP-4 was identified as a key early trigger: blocking BMP-4 with an inhibitor significantly reduced MSC differentiation and heart repair.
Cell survival and angiogenesis:Pathways associated with cell survival (Akt1, Bcl-2) and angiogenesis (JAK-STAT, NF-κB) were also upregulated, enhancing both the survival of new cells and the formation of blood vessels needed to sustain regenerated tissue.

In essence, EGJ/cardiogenin orchestrates a multi-pronged regenerative response: stimulating stem cells to become new cardiomyocytes, promoting survival of at-risk cells, and supporting angiogenesis.

Safety and Advantages

Natural origin with traditional use:Geum japonicum has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, supporting its safety profile.
Non-invasive approach:Unlike stem cell transplantation or genetic modification, EGJ works by activating endogenous repair mechanisms, reducing risks of immune rejection or tumor formation.
Oral administration:In studies, EGJ and cardiogenin were effective via oral dosing, suggesting future development as capsules or tablets for convenient use.
Dual action:By simultaneously promoting heart muscle regeneration and new blood vessel formation, EGJ addresses both structural and functional aspects of cardiac repair.
Efficacy across stages:Evidence from both acute and chronic MI models suggests potential benefits for a wide range of patients.

Conclusion

The 2009 study published in PLoS ONE provided strong preclinical evidence that Geum japonicum extract and its active component cardiogenin can significantly promote myocardial regeneration and functional recovery after heart attack. By activating stem cells and key signaling pathways, they stimulate new heart muscle formation, enhance vascular supply, and restore cardiac performance.

As a natural, orally administrable extract with a favorable safety profile, EGJ holds great promise as a novel dietary supplement to support cardiovascular health. For individuals at risk of heart disease or recovering from cardiac events, Geum japonicum extract offers the exciting potential of harnessing the body’s own regenerative capacity to protect and revitalize the heart.