D3 has the capacity to increase the endotheliumdependent
relaxation of rat aortic rings, and its nongenomic
mechanism is associated with enhanced phosphorylation of
eNOS and Akt proteins.15 The effect of D3 on eNOS and Akt
proteins appears to be mediated by the same pathway as
estrogen as the response to D3 is inhibited by the presence of
an ER antagonist.15 Due to the beneficial effects of D3 on
vascular function, we hypothesized that D3 will restore
endothelial function in OVX rats. The present study
investigated the long-term effects of C. comosa treatment on
the relaxation of isolated rat aortic rings and the underlying
mechanisms that lead to relaxation. Our results provide
mechanistic insight into the beneficial properties of C. comosa
and its estrogenic effect, supporting a role for its further clinical
use in vascular disorders.