Effects of Astragalus Mongholicus and Its Fermentation Objects on Anti-oxidation Capability of Hypothyroidism Rats

Abstract

<i>Objectives</i>: The morbidity rate of hypothyroidism is relatively high, the features of which are delitescent invasion, long course, untypical symptoms, great harm, etc. To intervene and cure hypothyroidism by traditional Chinese medicine could palliate untoward reaction of Western medicine, relieve symptoms of patients and enhance immunity. Astragalus mongholicus is frequently used as clinical traditional Chinese medicine. Reported by some literatures, compositions of Astragalus mongholicus have antioxidative function. Therefore, we studied effects of Astragalus mongholicus and its fermentation objects on anti-oxidation capability of hypothyroidism rats, and then discussed its mechanism of action. <i>Methods</i>: Eighty Wistar rats, half of which are female, were randomly divided into eight groups. They were named normal control group, hypothyroidism model group, high-dose Astragalus mongholicus group, medium-dose Astragalus mongholicus group, low-dose Astragalus mongholicus group, high-dose Astragalus mongholicus fermentation objects group, medium-dose Astragalus mongholicus fermentation objects group, low-dose Astragalus mongholicus fermentation objects group. There were ten rats in each group. We copied hypothyroidism rats samples by chemical induction------0.05% PTU freely drinking water. The rats were treated by different doses of Astragalus mongholicus as well as its, fermentation objects and killed after four weeks. We tested activity of serum superoxide dismutases (SOD), glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px) nitricoxide synthase (NOS); contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrogen monoxidum (NO) and the function of glandula thyreoidea. <i>Results</i>: After being treated by Astragalus mongholicus as well as its fermentation objects, the hypothyroidism rats’ function of glandula thyreoidea has improved evidently (P<0.05). Secondly, contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) in blood serum degraded remarkably (P<0.05). Thirdly, activity of superoxide dismutases (SOD) and glutathione. Peroxidase (GSH-Px) in blood serum stepped up strikingly (P<0.05). Fourthly, vis vitalis of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and contents of nitrogen monoxidum (NO) in blood serum stepped down surprisingly (P<0.05). <i>Conclusion</i>: Astragalus mongholicus and its fermentation objects have certain therapeutical effects on thyroid hypofunction, whose mechanism has something to do with increasing anti-oxidation capability of hypothyroidism rats.