Objective:To investigate the effects and mechanism of cycloastragenol (CAG) on aging. Method:Mouse aging model was induced by D-galactose. Sixty mice were randomly divided into control group

model group

CAG(2.5

5.0

10.0 mg·kg-1)group and vitarmine E(VE

2.5 mg·kg-1)group.Each group was given ip D-galactose except normal control group was supplied with equal amount of physiological saline for 6 weeks

the treated mice were given medicines according dose. The activity of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD)

the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydroxyproline (HYP) were mwasured. Result:Compared with the control group

the activity of T-SOD

T-AOC and the content of HYP in liver

heart and skin were markedly reduced in model group (P<0.01)

while the content of MDA was markedly increased (P<0.01

P<0.05);CAG group

compared with model group

significantly improved the activity of T-AOC in liver

heart and skin (P<0.01). Meanwhile

the activity of T-SOD in liver

heart and skin(P<0.01)and the content of HYP(P<0.01

P<0.05)were markedly increased. And it significantly reduced the content of MDA(P<0.01

P<0.05). Conclusions:CAG has a remarkable effect of anti-decrepitude

the possible mechanism is able to improve the activities of T-SOD

T-AOC and reduce the contents of MDA

HYP.