A Laboratory Study on Astragalus Membranaceus Mistura in the Prophylaxis and Treatment of Myelosu

he purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Astragalus membranaceus mistura on the chemotherapyassociated toxicity. Astragalus membranaceus mistura was used in combination with four traditional Chinese medicine herbs: astragalus membranaceus, ligustrum lucidum, angelica sinensis, and glycyrrhiza uralensis. 48“S180” mice were randomly assigned to four groups:group Ⅰ, control group;group Ⅱ,5Fu alone;group Ⅲ,5Fu combined with Batilole;grpup Ⅳ,5Fu combined with Astragulus membranaceus mistura. We determined the changes by peripheral blood indices. The percentage of lymphocyte transformation was detecled by lymphocyte transformation test. Macrophage phagocytosis was detected with Neutral Red Dye Uptake method hemopoietic microenvironment for bone marrow was studied under TEM. The incidence of toxication caused by chemotherapy, leukocytopenia and thrombocytopenia were observed. The results: the leukocyte and platelet counts were much more in group Ⅳ than in other groups (P<0.01);the macrophage phagocytotic ability and lymphocyte transformation percentage were significantly higher in group Ⅳ in other groups (P<0.01). Conclusion: Astragalus membranaceus mistura could overcome the toxicity of cancer chemotherapy in hematopoietic system. This therapy was effective in modulating myelosuppression induced by chemotherapy. Astragalus membranaceus mistura was effective for the enhancement of cellular immune response, and was able to improve the function of both lymphocytes and macrophages. Astragalus membranaceus mistura could protect reticulocyte and monocytemacrophage from impairment caused by chemotherapy.