Effect of the herbal medicine Danggui Sini plus Wuzhuyu Shengjiang Tang on erythrocyte deformability in normal subjects: a cross-over trial

OBJECTIVE

To show whether Danggui Sini plus Wuzhuyu Shengjiang Tang (DSWST) has any transient effect on erythrocyte deformability in normal subjects.

METHODS

A total of 25 subjects [mean age (27.8 ± 1.8) years] was enrolled in this study. The study was designed as a cross-over trial in which the subjects took part for 2 d. On the first day, blood samples were collected at baseline and 1-2 h after administration of water, whereas, on the second day, instead of water, the subjects were administered DSWST after the baseline blood sampling. The blood samples collected at baseline and after the administration water or DSWST, were examined for erythrocyte deformability.

RESULTS

The elongation index increased significantly after 2 h (P = 0.009) compared to the baseline after DSWST intake. However, after water intake, there was no significant difference observed. When comparing the percent change of erythrocyte deformability between DSWST and water, we found that after 2 h of administration, DSWST improved erythrocyte deformability significantly compared to water (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

DSWST has a transient effect on erythrocyte deformability in normal subjects.