Objective: To observe the influence of Huanglian Wendan decoction plus or minus on insulin resistance and serum leptin levels of elderly metabolic syndrome. Method: One hundred and twenty six cases of elderly patients with metabolic syndrome hospitalized from January

2010 to december

2011 were given Huanglian Wendan decoction plus or minus and the comparison was carried out before and after treatment for body weight

blood pressure (BP)

fasting plasma glucose (FBG)

serum insulin (INS)

insulin resistance index (IRI)

lipids

and serum leptin and other indicators. Result: After treatment

FBG

INS

and IRI were lower compared with those before treatment. IRI was (4.36±1.25)

significantly lowered than that before treatment (8.31±2.18). After treatment serum concentrations

triglyceride concentration were lower compared with those before treatment. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) was increased after treatment; leptin level was significantly lowered from (22.65±4.39) μg·L-1 before treatment to (6.83±2.31) μg·L-1 after the treatment. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Huanglian Wendan decoction plus or minus can control blood sugar

improve insulin resistance

lowering blood pressure

lower level of leptin. It is an effective prescription for the treatment of metabolic syndrome.