Objective To observe the effect of Shenmai Injection [ Injection of Renshen （Radix Ginseng） andmaidong （Radix Ophiopogonis）] on the stability of circulatory function and respiratory function during the propofol induction of general anesthesia for elderly operative patients.Methods Eighty aged patients scheduled to accept operation under general anesthesia were randomized into Shenmai group and control group with fourty in each.The Shenmai group received Shenmai Injection 1ml/kg into 250ml saline intravenously

while the control group received only 250ml normal saline before propofol anesthesia induction.Then

the propofol induction

intubation

anesthesiamaintain

and operation were performed.The systolic blood pressure （SBP）

diastolic blood pressure （DBP）

heart rate （HR）

central venous pressure （CVP）

arterial blood oxygen saturation （SaO2）

partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood （PaO2）

partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood （PaCO2）

and STsegment of ECG were observed at the time of entering into the operating room （T1）

ending the medication （T2）

before the induction （T3）

before intubation （T4） and 30minutes after intubation （T5） of both groups were recorded.The dose and frequency of atropine and ephedrine applied in the induction were also observed.Results Comparing with the ingroup T1

CVP of both groups at T2 and T3 was significantly increased （P<0.05）

while the SBP

DBP

and PaO 2 decreased （P<0.05） and the PaCO 2 and HR increased （P<0.05） at T4 and T5.SBP

DBP

HR

PaCO2

and PaO2 between groups at T4 and T5 were significantly different （P<0.05）.Concerning the effect on electracardiogram

the total effective rate of the shenmai group and the control group was 90.9% and 20.0% respectively

the difference between was statistically significant （P<0.01）.The dose and frequency of atropine and ephedrine application of both groups was significantly different （P<0.01）.Conclusion Application of Shenmai Injection in the propofol induction of general anesthesia in elderly operative patients can reduce the fluctuation of circulatory function and respiratory function

making the safe use of propofol for anesthesia.