Effect of astragalus root on immunological function of mice

Objective To study the effect of astragalus ethanol on immune function of mice. Methods One hundred mice were randomly divided into 10 groups（n=10）.Their body weight,immune organ weight,phagocytic function of mononuclear macrophages in abdominal cavity,proliferation and transformation of lymphocytes were detected 20 days after intra-gastric administration of astragalus ethanol extract. Results The thymus index was greater in single low-dose astragalus ethanol group than in single highdose astragalus ethanol group.The phagocytic function of mononuclear macrophages in abdominal cavity was stronger in mixed high-dose astragalus ethanol group than in mixed low-dose astragalus ethanol group.The phagocytic function of water astragalus extract was better than that of ethanol astragalus extract.No difference was found in body weight,spleen index,proliferation and transformation of lymphocytes（P＞0.05）. Conclusion Astragalus root can increase the immune function of mice and the ability of its water extract is stronger to increase the immune function of mice than that of its ethanol extract.