Objective : To investigate the effects of Dahuang Fuzi decoction on the function of peritoneal macrophages inmice. Method : Macrophages were seeded onto glass cover slips (5×105 cells/mL).Different concentrations of Dahuang Fuzi decoction(25

50

100

200

400

800 mg·L-1) were added to the normal or LPS-activited peritoneal macrophages. Metabolic activity of peritoneal macrophages was measured by MTT assay

nitric oxide was detected by Griess reagent

malondiadehyde(MDA) content was detected by hydroxylamine method

superoxide dismutase(SOD) activities was assayed by thiobarbituric acid method

concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6(IL-6) in supernatants were determined by using quantitative sandwich enzymelinked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)kits. Result : Dahuang Fuzi decoction had no obvious effect on the metabolic activity of peritoneal macrophages

but could markedly inhibit the secretion of NO

MDA

TNF-α and IL-6(P＜0.01)

furthermore

Dahuang Fuzi decoction could improved the production of SOD(P＜0.05). Conclusion : Dahuang Fuzi decoction can promote the immune and antioxidant capacity of peritoneal macrophagesin BALB/c mice.