Effect of Astragalus membranaceus on baroreflex sensitivity in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Objective: To observe the chronicity decompression effect of Astragalus Membranaceus(AM) and evaluate the effect on baroreflex sensitivity(BRS). Method: Nineteen spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR) were randomly divided into four groups. The AM groups were intraperitoneally administered with AM parenteral solution 0.9mL, 1.2mL and 1.8 mL respectively and the control group was not given AM for eight weeks. Then the change of blood pressure was observed successivly. After eight weeks, BRS were also determined. At last, the difference of blood pressure and BRS among the groups were compared. Result: Blood pressure in the control group became higher and higher frome the third week to the eighth week, but the other SHR admistered with AM showed no changein blood pressure level. We also found that the BRS in AM group was higher than that in the control group(P0.01). Conclusion: AM can promote the BRS in SHR.