Objective: To observe the effect of Yangyin Tongluo decoction combined with tongue triple acupuncture in treating aphasia after ischemic stroke with syndrome of Yin deficiency and Wind stirring

and the impact on serum calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and endothelins (ET). Method: Ninety-eight cases with aphasia after ischemic stroke were divided into control group (48 cases) and treatment group (50 cases) by table of random number method. The conventional therapy was given to all of the patients according to China Cerebrovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment Guidelines. Patients in control group were treated with Schuell's aphasic stimulation approach

30 min/time

3 times/week. In addition to the therapy of control group

treatment group was also given Yangyin Tongluo decoction (one dose/d

bid) combined with tongue triple acupuncture (qd

5 times/week). The treatment courses for all of the cases were 30 days. Speaking function

clinical efficacy and scores of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom were evaluated and compared between both groups. Serum CGRP and ET in both groups were evaluated. Result: After treatment

each index score in Chinese rehabilitation research center aphasia examination (CRRCAE) in treatment group was obviously higher those of control group

but with obviously lower TCM scores (P<0.01). The cured and markedly effective rate of treatment group was superior to that of control group (P<0.05). Treatment group showed a higher serum level of CGRP

but lower ET than that of control group at the same time points at 15 and 30 d after treatment (P<0.01). Conclusion: In addition to the conventional western medicine therapy

Yangyin Tongluo decoction combined with tongue triple acupuncture in treating with aphasia after ischemic stroke with syndrome of Yin deficiency and wind stirring improves language function

TCM symptom scores and clinical efficacy. Up-regulation in levels of CGRP and inhibition of ET may be closely related with its therapeutic effect.