Objective: To observe the anti-senile action of aqueous extract of Scutellaria and Carthamus tinctorius by using senescence accelerated mouse (SAM- P/8). Method: SAM-P/8 were randomly divided into 8 groups: control group with saline only the positive treatment group(ig Vit E)

low

moderate

and high dose groups of aqueous extract of Scutellaria and C. tinctorius. The treatment groups were consecutively received by intragastric administration for 4 weeks. Thymus and brain were collected to weigh and calculate organ indexes 1 h after last administration.The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD)

glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)

catalase(CAT) and the contents of malondi- aldehyde(MDA) in serum and brain tissue of all groups were determined by kit. Result: Aqueous extract of Scutellaria and C. tinctorius could elevate the brain and thymus indexes. They could also improve the activities of SOD

CAT

GSH-Px to different degree and decrease the contents of MDA. Moderate dosage of Scutellaria and high dosage of C. tinctorius were more distinguished. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of Scutellaria and C. tinctorius might have anti-senile action by improving antioxidant capacity of human body.