OBJECTIVETo investigate and explain the composing mechanism by observing enhancement property of disassembled compositions of Yiqi Huoxue decoction (YQHXD) on platelet aggregation of health adults.

METHODVenous whole blood was obtained from healthy human subjects and anti-coagulated, and then centrifuged to produce platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP). Disassembled compositions of YQHXD and sodium chloride were placed in different translucent tubes containing PRP and PPP, calculated the maximum percents of platelet aggregation stimulated by platelet agonists: adenosine diphosphate (ADP), platelet activating factor (PAF) and arachidonic acid (AA).

RESULTThe maximum percents of platelet aggregation induced by ADP and PAF were largely improved by YQHXD, both astragalus membranaceus and Angelica Scinesis played the most important roles in the decoction, the herbs of Yiqi and Huoxue must work together to enhance platelet aggregation.

CONCLUSIONIn vitro study, YQHXD can markedly improve platelet aggregation of health adults, but the exact mechanism should be proved by further experiments.