Objective To search for a way of treating chi1dren's idtopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) hypoadrenocorticismand its significance. Meethods Thirty-nine patients (31 males and 8 females) with INS were randomly divided into twogroups: 21 patients in tera-peutic group (treated by prednisone, astragali and acanthopanax root) and 18patients in control group (Simply treated by prednisone). 1ml blood was respectively drawn from all thepatients at 8 o'clock (one time before treatment and one time after treatment), the serum cortisol wasdetermined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Results In control group, the levels of serum cortisol still remained lower than the normal value aftertreatment and the levels after large dosages prednisone treatment were markedly lower than that beforetrea-tment. The values of serum cortisol returned to be normal after treatment in therapeutic group. Conclusion Astragali and acanthopanax root can restore the hypoadrenocorticism in children with INS.