Abstract: Objective To explore the curative efficacy of astragalus injection on blood lipids and bone mineral density in patients with hemiplegia after ischemic stroke. Methods From January, 2014 to June, 2015, 116 patients with hemiplegia after ischemic stroke were collected and radomly divided into control group (n=54) and observation group (n=62). The control group received acupuncture based on conventional treatments, while the observation group received astragalus injection in addition. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Ability of Daily Living Scale (ADL) were used to assess the neurologic impairment and the ability of daily living. The curative efficacy and the levels of blood lipids and bone mineral density were observed. Results Compared with the control group, the curative efficiency increased (χ2=3.960, P<0.05). The score of NIHSS decreased (t=3.490, P=0.001), and the score of ADL increased (t=2.820, P=0.006). The levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly decreased (t>4.190, P<0.001), however, the level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol did not change (P>0.05). The densities in forearm, femur and Ward's area in the hemiplegia side increased (t>2.060, P<0.05). Conclusion Astragalus injection is effective on hemiplegia after ischemic stroke, which can increase the curative efficacy, alleviate the neurologic impairment, promote the ability of daily living, improve the blood lipids and increase the bone mineral density.

Key words: ischemic stroke, hemiplegia, astragalus injection, acupuncture, blood lipids, bone mineral density