[Effect of Astragalus membranaceus on myoelectric activity of small intestine]

Astragalus membranaceus (AM) is one of the important Chinese medicinal herbs which are widely used and well known for its invigoration of vital energy. In the present experiment, the cycle duration of interdigestive myoelectric complex (IDMEC) and the durations of every phase were observed electrophysiologically before and after the 25% concentrated solution (1 ml/kg) was instilled into the empty stomach of the healthy, awakened dog. Signals of IDMEC were recorded by microcomputer. No significant change was found in duodenum in each criteria except for phase which became slightly longer (P < 0.05). While in jejunum the shortening of phase I and the prolonging of phase II were both significant (P < 0.01) and the cycle duration was also extended (P < 0.05) as well as increase of action potential on phase II and within the cycle (P < 0.05), with phase III and IV remained unchanged (P > 0.05). These results indicated that AM could strengthen the movement and muscle tonus in intestine (esp. in jejunum) and might serve as the scientific evidences to elucidate the effects of AM on the movements in digestive tracts.