Influence of Shenqi decoction on in vivo intestinal function in dogs*

AbstractAIM To study the effects of Shenqi decoction on intestinal function.METHODS Different concentrations of Shenqi decoction which consisted of Codonopsis pilosulae and Astragulus membranaceus were placed into the intestinal lumen of 16 healthy mongrel dogs in order to observe the effects of Shenqi decoction on intestinal blood flow, bloodvessel resistance, blood pressure and motility in vivo.RESULTS Shenqi decoction could increase intestinal blood flow and motility and decrease bloodvessel resistance compared with normal saline, and the difference was significant or very significant (P<005 or P<001). Shenqi decoction could enhance intestinal blood flow more powerfully than Codonopsis pilosulae decoction or Astragulus membranaceus decoction.CONCLUSION Shenqi decoction can improve the function of the intestine with different responses among different concentrations, which might be helpful in selecting the reasonable concentration of drug for clinical treatment.