[Therapeutic effects of ethanol extracts of Angelica sinensis and Astragalus mongholicus in diabetic gastroparesis rats].

OBJECTIVE

To observe therapeutic effects of the ethanol extract of Angelica sinensis and Astragalus mongholicus (1:2) in diabetic gastroparesis (DG) rats.

METHODS

Diabetic rats were induced by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (200 mg/kg). DG was based on gastrointestinal motility index and the character of stool in diabetic rats. The metformin and cisapride mixed solution (containing met-formin 175 mg/kg and cisapride 3.5 mg/kg)was intragastric administrated in the positive control group, the ethanol extract of Angelica sinensis and Astragalus mongholicus was intragastric treated in the high dose (10. 5 g/kg) and low dose(5. 2 g/kg) group rats, 1/d for 42 consecutive days. The body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG) value and 24 h intake and drinking amount were detected at interval of 14 days. The gastrointestinal propulsion index, motilin (MOT), glucagon (GLG) and gastrin (GAS) contents in the blood were detected after the last administration. And then the gastric antrum smooth muscle cells and interstitial cells of Cajal were observed in microscope.

RESULTS

The general state and stool had been improved,and the body weight and 24 h intake were significantly increased, and 24 h drinking in the high and low dose groups at 28 d of administration were reduced. At the 42th day,the body weight and 24 h in- take were increased, 24 h drinking water and FBG were reduced, and the MOT, GAS and GLG contents were decreased in the high dose group. Gastric mucosa and gastric smooth muscle tissue morphology were significantly improved.

CONCLUSIONS

The therapeutic effect of ethanol extracts of Angelica sinensis and Astragalus mongholicus was obvious in DG rats. Its mechanism of action was associated with FBG, MOT and GAS levels decreasing.