Inhibitory effects of Astragali Radix, crude drug in Oriental medicines onlipid peroxidation and protein oxidative modification of mouse brain homogenate by copper

Astragali Radix, the root of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge, is a crude drug used widely in Oriental medicines. It is a major component of Ougi-Keishi- gomotsu-to, a traditional herbal medicine, used for neurop patients with ab normal sensations and neuropathic pain of the legs, It was shown to have in hibitory effects on lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative modification b y topper. The effects were similar to and stronger than those of mannitol a nd superoxide dismutase as free radical scavengers, These results demonstra ted that Astragali Radix has inhibitory effects on oxidative stress induced by metal. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.