Abstract: Objective To study the anti-fatigue effect of Cynomorium songaricum flavone(CSF)on old rats.Methods50 old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group(no swimming,no drugs),single swimming group(swimming,given saline by gavage),and three swimming plus CSF groups(swimming,given CSF 20 g/kg weight,10 g/kg weight and 5 g/kg weight respectively),total five groups with 10 animals in each group.Animals swam with free swimming in endless cycles water 30 minutes once every day for 10 days.The level of monoamine oxidase(MAO) and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-px) in blood of animals were examined by MAO kit,GSH-px kit and ultraviolet spectrophotometer at 11th day.ResultsCompared with single swimming group,the body weights of swimming plus CSF groups increased significantly by 12.9%,80.6% and 200% respectively(P<0.01);swimming times before sinking increased by 19.4%,29% and 48.4%;sinking times of each rat(time/10 min) decreased by 17.8%,43.2% and 72.9%;total swimming times increased by 2.8%,7% and 29.6% respectively(P<0.01);MAO decreased by 60%,69.8% and 80.5%,GSH-px increased by 465.3%,563.8% and 635% respectively(P<0.01).ConclusionCSF shows anti-oxidative and anti-fatigue properties and can be given as prophylactic/therapeutic supplements for increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and preventing lipid peroxidation during strenuous exercise.

Key words: Cynomorium songaricum flavone(CSF), swimming endurance, anti-fatigue, old rat