Aortic acid
Natural Standard evidence-based flashcard. Copyright © 2008 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This flashcard is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions. 		Image
While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

Summary:
Aortic extract is usually manufactured from the hearts of animals, usually sheep, cows, or pigs. In this extract are many substances, including aortic acid, which is a broad term encompassing several constituents. Mesoglycan, a preparation of glycosaminoglycans, is the most studied of these constituents. Preliminary studies have focused on cardiovascular disorders, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arties), deep vein thrombosis, lower limb ischemia, and cutaneous necrotizing venulitis. Mesoglycan has shown the most promise in treating chronic venous ulcers and intermittent claudication. Other areas of future interest may be hypercholesterolemia, impaired fibrinolytic activity, and general wound healing. However, more high quality research is needed in all of these areas.

Uses
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Grade*
Chronic venous ulcers B
Intermittent claudication B
Atherosclerosis C
Cerebral ischemia C
Deep vein thrombosis C
Venous disorders C
*Key to grades: A: Strong scientific evidence for this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

Safety:
There are currently no reported allergic reactions available. Due to the heparan sulfate content of mesoglycan, patients with an allergy to heparin or heparinoid derivatives should use caution. Use cautiously with coagulation (blood) disorders or taking anticoagulation therapy. Use cautiously with hypertension (high blood pressure) or taking antihypertension drugs. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effects:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions against the consumption of any dietary supplement made from animal glands or organs, especially from cows and sheep from countries with known cases of bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE, or "mad cow" disease) or scrapie. It is thought that these extracts may contain viable prions that could infect humans. Currently, there are no available reports of transmission of BSE through aortic acid.
Diarrhea, headache.

Possible interactions:
Antiangiogenic drugs (reducing the growth of new blood vessels), anticoagulants (blood thinners), antihyperlipidemics (cholesterol-lowering medications), antihypertensive/hypertensive drugs (blood pressure altering medications), antitumor drugs, cigarette smoke, fibrinolytic drugs, hormonal agents, hypoglycemic/hyperglycemic drugs (blood sugar altering medications), immunomodulators, thyroid drugs, v1-receptor antagonists, and herbs and supplements with similar effects.

Dosing:

Adults (18 years and older):
12-200 milligrams taken by mouth for 10 days to 18 months one to three times per day has been studied.

Children (younger than 18 years):
Not enough scientific data available.
Natural Standard Monograph (www.naturalstandard.com)
Copyright © 2008 Natural Standard Inc. Commercial distribution or reproduction prohibited.
The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.