AIMS To screen the most potent enzyme-inhibiting Chinese medicine and observe the pharmacologic effects of the most excellent circulation-improv- ing Chinese medicine on intestinal and pancreatic hemodynamics. METHODS Screening in Vitro for amylase-and lipase-inhibiting effects of 9 Chinese traditional medicines were used. Each extract was prepared ac- cording to the method described by LIN Qi-Shou. Tests for inhibitary ef- fects on trypsin and elastase activity were carried out by following ZHANG Tian-Min's and JIANG Chuan-Kui's method. Modified Leslie's method was used for observing effect of the most excellent circulation-improving Chi- nese herb,Tao-Ren (Semen Persicae) and its extract (HHI-I),on intesti- nal hymodynamics,i.e. using electric magnetic flowmeter for intestinal bleed flow and using blood oxygenmeter for oxygen consumption. In the further experiment,laser Doppler microcirculation dynamic analyzer was used for the measurement of effect of HHI-I on pancreatic microcirculation and tissue oxygenmeter was applied for changes of pancreatic oxygen par- tial pressure. RESULTS Of the 9 screened Chinese traditional medicines,Yuan-Hu (Rhizome Corydalis) had the most potent inhibitory action on both amylase and lipase activities,followed by Da Huang,Zhi Zi and Huang Qin,Hang Shao. Canine experiments showed HHI-I could improve intestinal hymodynamics. Twenty minutes after infusion of HHI-I,intestinal blood flow increased to 225.0±68.51 ml/min,which was significantly different from that before infusion (201.34±70.21 ml/min) (P<0.05). FUrther increase was observed 40 and 60 minutes after administration (245.40± 82. 78 ml/min,P<0. 05 and 252. 20±82. 41 ml/min,P<0.01). Intesti- nal oxygen consumption also increased markedly to 5.33±2.57 ml/min 60 minutes later,significantly differing from that at zero time (2.72±1.09 ml/min,P<0.05),HHI-I could also improve pancreatic microcirculation and tissue oxygen partial pressure. Compared with the basal value (20.4 ±5.0 ml/min/100 g body wt),microcirculatory blood fl
