Objective: To obverse the effect of Yanshou decoction on skin aging in rats induceded by inhaling ozone and to explore its mechanism. Method: Fourty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups:the normal group

the model group

the Vitamin E group (13.5 mg·kg-1)

the low-

medium-

and high-dose Yanshou decoction groups (45

90

180 mg·kg-1)

8 in each group. Rats in the normal groups were exposed to fresh air. The other rats were exposed to ozone (1.2±0.2) mg·L-1 4 hours daily for consecutive 45 days. Meanwhile

the corresponding medicines were intragastrically administrated once daily for consecutive 45 days. The activity of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD)

plasma glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px) or plasma catalase (CAT)

the levels of serum lipid peroxidase (LPO) or dermis hydroxyproline (HYP) were detected and the cutaneous histopathology was observed. Morphometry of skin including epidermis thickness

collagen fiber

elastic fiber and reticular fiber ratio of changes in rats were compared. Result: Compared with the normal group

the activity of SOD

the contents of LPO in serum decreased

the activity of GSH-Px and CAT in plasma decreased

the contents of Hyp in skin tissue homogenate decreased in the model group (P<0.01). Moreover

it was discovered that the epidermis was thin

the basal cells decreased

few collagenous fiber was sparsely arranged

elastic fiber was shorter

and mast cell degranulation were present. Compared with the model group

the activity of SOD

the contents of LPO in serum and the activity of GSH-Px

CAT in plasma increased

the contents of Hyp in skin tissue homogenate increased in all doses of Yanshou decoction groups (P<0.01

P<0.05). The contents of soluble collagen

collagen fiber

elastic fiber and reticular fiber increased and the epidermis was thicker in the Yanshou decoction groups. Moreover

Yanshou decoction could prevent the skin mast cells of rats from releasing granules induced by ozone. Conclusion: Yanshou decoction could postpone the process of skin aging in rats inhaling ozone.