Review of mechanism on astragalus membranaceus in two-ways regulation of blood pressure

Astragalus membranaceus is one of the frequently used qi tonifying herbal medicines. It can regulate blood pressure. This paper reviewed the studies on the two-way regulation of blood pressure of Astragalus membranaceus in recent years, even thought the Astragalus membranaceus has been regarded to cure hyperhension due to qi deficiency. It can lower the pressure with large dosage or in liquid-fried form. Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus membranaceus as the sovereign drug of the formulas or Astragalus membranaceus combined with western medicine can regulate blood pressure. It was found that the effect of reducing blood pressure was mainly related to the decrease of heart rate, dilation of blood vessels, inhibition of oxidative stress, reduction of calcium ion level, diuretics, change the content of growth factor and receptor, lowering uric acid, reduction of cysteine levels, and increase insulin sensitivity.Itelevated the blood pressure, mainly related to the increase of cardiac output and vasoconstriction. Key words: Astragalus membranaceus; Blood pressure; Two-ways regulation; Review