Anti-fatigue effects of Radix Astragali in plateau humans

To evaluate the physical performance of adult human in the plateau, and to explore the anti-fatigue effects of Radix Astragali. 40 human males were selected who had acclimatized to 3700-m altitude. Divided the subjects into two groups randomly (n=20): One is control group, the other is Radix Astragali group. According to military standard GJB1337-92, the physical work capacity (PWC170), VO(2)max, and step test index was measured before and after taking Radix Astragali. Venous blood was sampled to detect the level of blood lactic acid (BLA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA). Compared with control, the Radix Astragali increased PWC170, step test index and SOD, and reduced the heart rate, BLA, BUN and MDA in the after-exercise group. These results demonstrate that Radix Astragali may be a new therapy for fatigue caused by plateau-condition hypoxia.