Objective:To investigate effects of Radix astragali (RA) on relieving insulin resistance(IR) in adipose tissue of high
fat fed(HF) rats. Methods: Twenty four SD rats were divided into 3 groups randomly( n =8):HF group, HF+RA group,and normal control group. Each group was fed equicalorically for 7 weeks, then
insulin sensitivity was measured by glucose insulin tolerance test. The adipose tissues in subcutanea and
retroperitoneal were weighted respectively. Sections of adipose tissue were fixed with 100% ethanol and stained by TUNEL technique with a kit to detect apoptotic nuclei. Results: (1)K values obtained from glucose insulin tolerance test were significantly increased in HF+RA group compared with that in HF group. (2) The fats in the retroperitoneal position were significantly increased in HF group compared with that in HF+RA group. (3) The number of TUNEL positive nuclei in retroperitoneal adipose tissue was much greater in HF+RA group than in HF group. Conclusion: RA can relieve insulin resistance of the high fat fed rat, which may be closely related to increment of adipocyte apoptosis and reduction of intro abdominal fat weight.