SV improves the endothelial function of aorta from aged (a–c, n=7), but not in those from adult (d–f, n=6), rats after 12 weeks of treatment. Concentration–response curves to ACh (a and d), A-23187 (b and e) and SNP (c and f) in aortic rings from placebo- and SV-treated rats ***P<0.001 placebo versus SV-treated rats. ###P<0.001 aged versus adult rats.