Treatment of mice with a herbal preparation (mentat) protects against radiation-induced mortality

The effect of various doses (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 100, 120 and 160 mg/kg b. wt.) of 50% ethanolic extract of mentat (a herbal preparation) was studied on the survival of mice exposed to 10 Gy of gamma-radiation. Treatment of mice with different doses of mentat consecutively for fi ve days before irradiation delayed the onset of mortality and reduced the symptoms of radiation sickness when compared with the non-drug treated irradiated controls. Most of the doses of mentat provided protection against the gastrointestinal (GI) death, however, the highest protection against GI death was observed for 80 mg/kg mentat. This was also true for bone marrow deaths, where the highest number of survivors were observed at 30 days post-irradiation in this group (i.e. 80 mg/kg) when compared with the other doses of mentat. The evaluation of acute toxicity showed that mentat was non-toxic up to a dose of 1.5 g/kg b. wt., where no drug-induced mortality was observed. The LD50 dose of mentat was found to be 1.75 g/kg b. wt. Our study demonstrates that mentat can provide good radioprotection at a dose of 80 mg/kg, which is far below its toxic dose.     

Polyherbal extract of septilin protects mice against whole body lethal dose of gamma radiation

The effect of various doses (5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140 and 160 mg/kg b. wt.) of 50% ethanolic extract of Septilin (a herbal preparation) was studied on the radiation-induced mortality in mice exposed to 10 Gy of gamma-irradiation. Treatment of mice with different doses of Septilin, consecutively for 5 days before irradiation, delayed the onset of mortality and reduced the symptoms of radiation sickness when compared with the non-drug treated irradiated controls. All doses of Septilin provided protection against gastrointestinal (GI) deaths (death within 10 days of irradiation). However, the best protection was observed at 100 mg/kg b. wt. of Septilin, as the number of survivors after 30 days post-irradiation was highest (58.33%) in this group when compared with the other doses of Septilin. The number of survivors was 1.75 fold greater for 100 mg/kg Septilin when compared with the 2-mercaptopropionylglycine (MPG, 33.33%) which was used as a positive control. The LD(50) of Septilin was 1250 mg/kg as against the optimum protective dose of 100 mg/kg. Our study demonstrates Septilin as a good radioprotective agent.     

The anxiolytic effect of Sho-ju-sen, a Japanese herbal medicine, assessed by an elevated plus-maze test in mice

Sho-ju-sen (SK), a Japanese herbal medicine with a nourishing tonic action, is composed of a water extract of Kumazasa leaves (Sasa kurinensis Makino et Sibata) (SS), and ethanol extracts of Japanese red pine needles (Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc) (PN) and Ginseng roots (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) (PX) in the ratio 8:1:1. In this study, an elevated plus-maze test in mice was carried out to assess whether SK had an anxiolytic effect. No significant change was observed in either the plus-maze or activity test following a single administration of SK (10 and 20 mL/kg p.o.). However, mice allowed a free intake of SK (10% solution) for 5 days and longer showed a significant prolongation of the time spent in the open arms (an anxiolytic effect), as long as that caused by the benzodiazepine anxiolytic diazepam (1 mg/kg p.o.). SK (1%, 3% and 30% solutions for 7 days) tended to develop the anxiolytic effect. Of the constituents of SK, SS (8% solution), but not PN (1% solution) or PX (1% solution), resulted in the anxiolytic effect. Except for a slight acceleration in the motor activity by PN (1% solution), no significant change in the motor activity was produced by any treatment with SK, SS or PX. The combined treatment of SK (10% solution) or SS (8% solution) with 1 mg/kg diazepam enhanced the anxiolytic effect. Flumazenil (0.1 mg/kg s.c.), a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, alone did not change the time spent in the open arms. However, it completely reversed the anxiolytic effect of SK, SS and diazepam. The present results suggest that: (1) long-term treatment with SK develops an anxiolytic effect, (2) SS is the main constituent for the anxiolytic effect of SK, and (3) benzodiazepine receptors are involved in the anxiolytic effect of SK and SS.     

A preliminary study of the biological activities of the bark extract of Piliostigma thonningii (schum) in mice

The biological activities of the stem bark of Piliostigma thonningii were studied in mice. The oral LD₅₀ of the 70% ethanol extract was 1862 mg/kg. It significantly reduced pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time after an intraperitoneal injection (p < 0.05). The extract induced persistent contractions on the guineapig ileum which were completely blocked by atropine. Mice intubated with varying doses (100,200,400 mg/kg) of the extract had diarrhoea. The extract appeared to mediate its action through a cholinergic mechanism.     

The evaluation of nitric oxide scavenging activity of certain herbal formulations in vitro: a preliminary study

The nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activities of traditional polyherbal drugs like abana, chyavanaprasha, geriforte, septilin, mentat and triphala were examined using sodium nitroprusside as a NO donor in vitro. All the drugs tested demonstrated direct scavenging of NO and were superior to Gingko biloba, which was used as a positive control. The extracts of various polyherbal drugs exhibited dose-dependent NO scavenging activities and the potency was in the following order: abana > chyavanaprasha > triphala > geriforte > septilin > mentat > Gingko biloba. The present results suggest that the traditional Indian polyherbal crude drugs may be potent and novel therapeutic agents for scavenging of NO, and thereby inhibit the pathological conditions caused by excessive generation of NO and its oxidation product, peroxynitrite. These findings may also help to explain, at least in part, the pharmacological activities like rejuvenating, adaptogenic, anti-infection, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective and neuroprotective activities of these traditional, clinically used non toxic drugs.     

The effects of Baphia nitida Lodd (leguminosae) extract on the gastrointestinal tract of rats and mice

The constituents from the leaves of Baphia nitida were extracted using methanol and acetone as solvents. The extract did not demonstrate any acute toxic effects in mice within the dose range used during this study. The extract inhibited gastric emptying time in rats and intestinal motility in mice, both effects were manifested in a dose-related fashion. These effects were similar but less pronounced than those produced by atropine sulphate. The extract did not induce gastric ulceration in rats and failed to protect against acetyl salicylic acid-induced gastric ulcer in rats or histamine-induced duodenal ulcer in guinea-pigs.     

Neuropharmacological study of Dracocephalum moldavica L. (Lamiaceae) in mice: sedative effect and chemical analysis of an aqueous extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Dracocephalum moldavica is used as a tranquilizer and as remedy for nervous conditions relief in the Mexican traditional medicine. Despite its intensive use no literature reported neuropharmacological studies on Dracocephalum moldavica as yet.

Aim of the study

The sedative, anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like effects of the aqueous extract of aerial parts of Dracocephalum moldavica (Lamiaceae) (DM) were evaluated in behavioral models in mice. The general toxic effects of DM were evaluated as well as their chemical analysis was performed.

Materials and methods

DM effects were evaluated on pentobarbital-induced sleeping time (SPT), the hole-board (HBT), and the avoidance exploratory behavior (AEBT) tests and on the forced swimming test (FST). General activity and motor coordination were evaluated in the open field (OFT) and Rota-rod tests, respectively. The acute toxicity of DM was determinate by its LD₅₀ dose. The chemical analyses DM were performed by chromatographic and HPLC–ESI-MS techniques.

Results

DM prolonged the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, induced sedation in the HBT, decreased spontaneous activity and produced motor coordination impairment in mice. However, DM did not show anxiolytic effects in the AEBT or HBT and it was not effective in FST. The DM-treatment produced mortalities with LD₅₀ = 470 mg/kg body weight.The HPLC–ESI-MS analysis of DM revealed that (acacetin, apigenin and luteolin)-7-O-β-d-(6″-O-malonyl)-glucoside derivates are the main compounds of DM.

Conclusions

DM induced sedative actions and a general inhibition of CNS activity observed by the decrease of animals’ general activity, motor coordination and exploration.     

补肾健脾中药复方对甲氰菊酯染毒妊娠大鼠的细胞因子水平的影响

目的探讨甲氰菊酯对妊娠大鼠的IL-2、IL-10、IL-4、IL-6、TNF-α、IFN水平及甲氰菊酯对妊娠期神经-内分泌-免疫调节的影响,以及补肾健脾复方对其的干预作用。方法成年健康SD妊娠大鼠分为六组,其中模型组、模型＋中药高剂量组、模型＋中药中剂量组、模型＋中药低剂量组、模型＋多力玛组五组自妊娠第1～15d经口灌服1/20LD50（即6.775mg/kg）甲氰菊酯,每日1次,染毒4～6h后分别灌服生理盐水;另一组为空白对照组。妊娠中期（第15日）杀死母鼠。采血检测IL-2、IL-10、IL-4、IL-6、TNF-α、IFN。结果甲氰菊酯染毒后母鼠流产率增加,模型组流产率显著高于其它各组。补肾健脾之中药助孕3号方能降低流产率,纠正甲氰菊酯所致Th1、Th2型组胞因子平衡的病理性偏移。结论甲氰菊酯具有生殖毒性,可导致妊娠丢失,与影响母鼠免疫功能有关。助孕3号方通过免疫调节作用有效减轻甲氰菊酯的生殖毒性。     

Traditional plant-based remedies to control insect vectors of disease in the Arribes del Duero (western Spain): an ethnobotanical study

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In several Spanish rural communities, simple and effective plant-based remedies are employed for the control of vector-borne diseases. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and usage custom of traditional insect control in the Arribes del Duero-ARD-(Salamanca-Zamora, W Spain).

Materials and methods

Between 2005 and 2009, 116 semi-structured interviews of 80 non-specialist people (44 men and 36 women; mean age, 72) were conducted. This community was located in the Arribes del Duero Natural Park, representative of a highly heterogeneous Mediterranean landscape with a strong decline in the population and a significant proportion (almost 40%) age 65 or greater. We calculated the cultural importance for each species cited. To analyze how traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) varies with the characteristics of the informants, we performed an ANCOVA.

Results and conclusions

We documented the traditional use of 22 vascular plants as remedies to prevent or treat external parasites, and control mosquitoes, flies and other nuisance insects. There were described 27 plant remedies, of which 16 (59%) continue to be in use, including basil (Ocimum basilicum L. and Ocimum minimum L.) as a repellent for mosquitoes and houseflies. Most of the plant species contain phenols and/or terpenoids, and in several investigations bioassays have been performed to test their repellent and/or insecticidal properties. Three taxa (Ballota nigra L., Cicer arietinum L. and Ocimum minimum) have not been tested and these may offer excellent natural remedies. As well as allowing the discovery of new chemical compounds with insecticidal activity, this traditional knowledge may be paramount in the control of potential populations of vectors of emerging diseases in the Mediterranean region without harming the environment.     

Pharmacological evidence for an interaction between constituents (blend effect) of the Japanese-Sino medicine “Keishi-ka-zyutubu-tō” in neuromuscular blockade in diabetic mice

The pharmacological interaction between constituents of Keishi-ka-zyutubu-tō (composed of 7 crude drugs, namely peony, liquorice, jujube, cassia, ginger, Atractylodes lancea, and aconite), a medicine of Japanese-Sino origin, was investigated in in situ sciatic nerve-gastrocnemius muscle preparations using genetically dlabetic KK-CA^y mice. When administered intra-arterially, the drug caused a degree of inhibition of the diabetic neuromuscular junction 280 times greater than normal. The two constituents, peony-liquorice, were only 2.6 times more potent in diabetic muscles. When further combined with peony-liquorice, the potency ratio was increased 4.9 times for cassia, 5.9 times for ginger and 8.7 times for Atractylodes lancea. In combination with the representative compounds contained in the above crude drugs except for jujube, the potency ratio of paeoniflorin (PF) and glycyrrhizin (GLR) was increased 6.6 times for cinnamaldehyde, 6.1 times for [8]-gingerol and 14 times for β-eudesmol in diabetic muscles. Aconite potentiated the blocking effects of peony-liquorice to the same extent in diabetic muscles as in normal muscles. This tendency was also confirmed when mesaconitine was combined with PF-GLR. The single effect of β-eudesmol or [8]-gingerol was 5.2 times or 3.7 times more potent, respectively, on diabetic muscles than on normal muscles. Cinnamaldehyde or mesaconitine demonstrated the same degree of sensitivity in both diabetic and normal muscles. These results indicated that the preferentially more potent neuromuscular blocking effects of Keishi-ka-zyutubu-tō in diabetic muscles were mainly attributable to β-eudesmol, a major component of Atractylodes lancea.     

Cardiovascular effect of a senso (toad venom) - containing drug in anesthetized dogs (2): Influence of propranolol.

Effects of a Senso (toad venom)-containing drug KY on systemic hemodynamics were examined, and participation of beta-adrenoceptor in its action was evaluated by using propranolol in anesthetized dogs. KY produced a positive inotropic action, and decreased total peripheral (TPR) and coronary vascular resistances (CR), while renal vascular resistance (RR) was increased. After propranolol, KY significantly increased TPR, CR, vertebral vascular resistance and RR. KY-induced positive inotropic action was partly diminished but not abolished by beta-blockade. These results indicate that the beta-adrenergic action may be involved in the vasodilating effect of KY and partly in the positive inotropic action.     

The therapeutic effect of an herbal formula Badmaev 28 (Padma 28) on experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in SJL/J mice

A herbal formula, Badmaev 28, was evaluated in the treatment of an induced attack in a chronic relapsing model of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in SJL/J mice. Chronic EAE was induced by immunization of 8 week old mice with an emulsion of syngeneic spinal cords with incomplete Freund's adjuvant supplemented with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Therapy with Badmaev 28 was started on day 25 after the immunization, and the formula was administered in the drinking water at doses of 7, 21, 83 and 166 mg/kg/day. The treatment resulted in significantly decreased mortality compared with the untreated control animals and the therapeutic effect occurred in one experiment in a dose‐dependent fashion. Based on the experimental results it is difficult to name one particular mechanism responsible for the therapeutic effectiveness of the formula in the EAE model. Rather this protective effect could be explained by a broad protective mechanism of action discussed in the literature as non‐specific resistance (NSR) to the diversified biological and psychological stressors. The increase in NSR characterizes the action of pharmacological compounds termed adaptogens or bioprotectants. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The sustained influence of short term exposure to a proprietary extract of North American ginseng on the hemopoietic cells of the bone marrow, spleen and blood of adult and juvenile mice

This study assessed the influences of CVT-E002, a proprietary extract of North American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius (Afexa Life Sciences, Inc., Edmonton, AB, Canada), in vivo, on murine hemopoietic and immune cells when administered as a dietary additive. The extract was given daily to young, adult mice for a period of 4 weeks, immediately following which one group was euthanized and the hemopoietic and immune cells of their bone marrow, spleen and blood were assayed for CVT-E002-mediated alterations in any of five cell lineages (lymphocytes, nucleated erythroid cells, granulocytes, immature granuloid precursors and monocytes). Another group of these mice was left for a subsequent 8 weeks on control diet, following which the same organs and cell lineages were analysed. In another study, juvenile mice immediately upon weaning (age: 4 weeks), were subjected to the above protocol, and their organs/cell lineages assayed. The results revealed that CVT-E002 had a long-lasting, positive quantitative effect on the lymphocytes and monocytes, regardless of age at commencement of daily, dietary CVT-E002. CVT-E002 may therefore have a prophylactic disease defense, immunostimulatory role, or potentially, even a therapeutic role.     

Beneficial effects of an investigational wristband containing Synsepalum dulcificum (miracle fruit) seed oil on the performance of hand and finger motor skills in healthy subjects: A randomized controlled preliminary study

Miracle fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) seed oil (MFSO) contains phytochemicals and nutrients reported to affect musculoskeletal performance. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a compression wristband containing MFSO on its ability to measurably improve the hand and finger motor skills of participants. Healthy right‐handed participants (n = 38) were randomized in this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of MFSO and vehicle wristbands. Subjects wore the wristband on their left hand 4–6 weeks and then only on their right hand 2–4 weeks; the contralateral untreated hand served as an additional control. Twelve hand/finger motor skills were measured using quantitative bio‐instrumentation tests, and subject self‐assessment questionnaires were conducted. With each hand, in 9/12 tests, the MFSO group showed a clinically meaningful average improvement compared with an average worsening in the vehicle group. Statistical superiority to the control treatment group was exhibited in 9/12 tests for each hand (p < .01). After discontinuing the MFSO wristband on the left hand, test values regressed toward baseline levels. Subjects favored the MFSO wristband over the control, rating it as effective in improving their motor skills. Use of the MFSO wristband may improve an individual's manual dexterity skills and ability to maintain this performance.     

The nitrergic neurotransmission contributes to the anxiolytic‐like effect of Citrus sinensis essential oil in animal models

Citrus fragrances have been used in aromatherapy for the treatment of anxiety, and the essential oil of Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) has shown promising results, although its mechanism of action was not known. The objective of this study was to evaluate the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) neurotransmission in the anxiolytic‐like effect of C. sinensis essential oil. Swiss male mice were submitted to 15 min of C. sinensis essential oil inhalation (1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%) and tested in the marble‐burying test, neophobia‐induced hypophagia, and light/dark test. Locomotor activity was evaluated in an automated locomotor activity box. The coadministration of C. sinensis essential oil with L‐arginine (200 mg/kg, i.p.), an NO precursor, was used for the behavioral evaluation of nitrergic system mediation. Additionally, the NO synthase activity was measured by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH‐d) analysis in the cerebral cortex. C. sinensis essential oil exerted anxiolytic‐like effect at dose that did not change locomotor activity. Moreover, L‐arginine pretreatment prevented this anxiolytic‐like effect on marble‐burying test. Finally, C. sinensis essential oil reduced the NADPH‐d positive cells. Thus, the nitrergic neurotransmission plays a relevant role in the anxiolytic‐like effect C. sinensis essential oil.     

病证结合诊疗模式下实现证候疗效评价价值的可行途径

文章基于病证结合诊疗模式下证候在疗效评价中的地位和意义,根据某一证候变化评价方法的局限性,提出了将证候的转归规律评价与某一证候变化评价相结合的证候综合评价方法及可行途径,并对需要关注的几个问题进行了初步讨论。     

高剂量抗痫胶囊对致痫小鼠齿状回DNA和RNA的影响

目的探讨戊四唑对小鼠齿状回DNA和RNA的变化.方法选用健康昆明种小鼠(2级)40只,体重18～22g.分3组即正常对照组、病模组、高剂量抗痫胶囊组.采用吖啶橙荧光染色法,观察抗痫胶囊对戊四唑致痫后小鼠齿状回DNA和RNA的变化.结果与对照组相比,戊四唑致痫组小鼠齿状回颗粒层和苔藓纤维内DNA和RNA荧光染色强度增强,抗痫胶囊高剂量组较病模组荧光强度减弱,但高于正常组.结论齿状回神经元内DNA和RNA的变化与戊四唑致痫小鼠神经元的兴奋性损伤密切相关,抗痫胶囊对癫痫小鼠神经元兴奋性有一定的抑制作用.     

Involvement of monoaminergic systems in the antidepressant-like effect of Eugenia brasiliensis Lam. (Myrtaceae) in the tail suspension test in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Several species of Eugenia L. are used in folk medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Eugenia brasiliensis is used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, whereas Eugenia. uniflora is used for the treatment of symptoms related to depression and mood disorders, and is used in Brazil by the Guarani Indians as a tonic stimulant.

Aim of the study

To investigate the antidepressant-like effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of different plant species of genus Eugenia and to characterize the participation of the monoaminergic systems in the mechanism of action of the specie that afforded the most prominent antidepressant-like efficacy.

Materials and methods

In the first set of experiments, the effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of Eugenia beaurepaireana, Eugenia brasiliensis, Eugenia catharinae, Eugenia umbelliflora and Eugenia uniflora and the antidepressant fluoxetine (positive control) administered acutely by p.o. route were evaluated in the tail suspension test (TST) and locomotor activity was assessed in the open-field test in mice. In the second set of experiments, the involvement of the monoaminergic systems in the antidepressant-like activity of Eugenia brasiliensis was evaluated by treating mice with several pharmacological agonists and antagonists. The effects of the combined administration of sub-effective doses of Eugenia brasiliensis and the antidepressants fluoxetine, imipramine and bupropion were also evaluated.

Results

The administration of the extracts from Eugenia brasiliensis, Eugenia catharinae and Eugenia umbelliflora, but not Eugenia beaurepaireana and Eugenia uniflora, exerted a significant antidepressant-like effect, without altering locomotor activity. The behavioral profile was similar to fluoxetine. Pre-treatment of mice with ketanserin, haloperidol, SCH23390, sulpiride, prazosin and yohimbine prevented the reduction of immobility time induced by Eugenia brasiliensis. Treatment with sub-effective doses of WAY100635, SKF38393, apomorphine, phenylephrine, but not clonidine, combined with a sub-effective dose of Eugenia brasiliensis decreased the immobility time in the TST. Furthermore, the combined administration of sub-effectives doses of Eugenia brasiliensis with fluoxetine, imipramine and bupropion produced an antidepressant-like effect.

Conclusions

This study show, for the first time, the antidepressant-like effect of species of the genus Eugenia, especially Eugenia brasiliensis, whose effects in the TST seem to be mediated by serotoninergic (5-HT_1A and 5-HT₂ receptors), noradrenergic (α₁-adrenoceptor) and dopaminergic (dopamine D₁ and D₂ receptors) systems.     

Evaluation of anticancer activity of the alkaloid fraction of Alstonia scholaris (Sapthaparna) in vitro and in vivo

The anticancer effect of various doses of an alkaloid fraction of Sapthaparna, Alstonia scholaris (ASERS), was studied in vitro in cultured human neoplastic cell lines (HeLa, HepG(2), HL60, KB and MCF-7) and in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing mice. Treatment of HeLa cells with 25 microg/mL ASERS resulted in a time dependent increase in the antineoplastic activity and the greatest activity was observed when the cells were exposed to ASERS for 24 h. However, exposure of cells to ASERS for 4 h resulted in 25% viable cells and hence this time interval was considered to be the optimum time for treatment and further studies were carried out using this time. Treatment of various cells with ASERS resulted in a concentration dependent decline in the viable cells and a nadir was reached at 200 microg/mL in all the cell lines studied. The IC50 was found to be 5.53, 25, 11.16, 10 and 29.76 microg/mL for HeLa, HePG2, HL60, KB and MCF-7 cells, respectively. Similarly, administration of ASERS, once daily for 9 consecutive days to the tumor bearing mice caused a dose dependent remission of the tumor up to 240 mg/kg body weight, where the greatest antitumor effect was observed. Since 240 mg/kg ASERS showed toxic manifestations, the next lower dose of 210 mg/kg was considered as the best effective dose, in which 20% of the animals survived up to 120 days post-tumor-cell inoculation as against no survivors in the saline treated control group. The ASERS treatment resulted in a dose dependent elevation in the median survival time (MST) and the average survival time (AST) up to 240 mg/kg ASERS and declined thereafter. The surviving animals were healthy and disease free. The effect of ASERS was better than cyclophosphamide, which was used as a positive control, where all the animals succumbed to death by 40 days and the MST and AST were 19.5 and 18.3 days, respectively. The effective dose of 210 mg of ASERS was 3/10 of the LD50 dose, which increased the MST and AST up to 54 and 49.5 days, respectively.     

艾灸三阴交穴对产程的影响：随机对照研究

[摘要]：目的：探讨艾灸三阴交穴对正常分娩产程及母婴安全性影响。方法：将210名正常分娩单胎头位初产妇随机分为实验组、非穴组及空白组,宫口开大2～3cm时实验组艾灸三阴交、非穴组艾灸非穴点各30min,空白组行常规产程护理,比较3组第一产程活跃期、第二产程、第三产程及母婴安全性差异。结果：实验组与非穴组及空白组第一产程活跃期、第二产程3组间比较差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。实验组第一产程活跃期（123.05±96.401）min,第二产程（37.407±22.390）min短于非穴组（171.40±94.339）,（49.517±25.373）min及空白组（178.79±97.231）,（53.684±20.087）min,差异有统计学意义（p＜0.05）。第三产程3组及组间比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。产后出血量：实验组为（187.12±50.653）mL,少于非穴组和空白组的（216.67±54.456）,（214.90±54.787）mL;新生儿Apgar评分：实验组（9.965±0.186）分,高于非穴组和空白组的（9.949±0.289）,（9.707±0.593）分,差异有统计学意义（p＜0.05）。结论：艾灸三阴交穴能缩短产程,减少产后出血,对母婴无不良影响。