Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of Radix Astragali on the exercise ability of fatigue mice and the regulation mechanism of p-AMPKα/AMPKα by comparing taurine formula and compound taurine formula with Radix Astragali. Methods A total of 140 male Kunming mice were randomly divided into 7 groups and given intragastrically once a day, and weight-bearing swimming experiments were carried out on the 14th and 28th days respectively. After the last administration, mice tissues were collected. Serum levels of lactic acid (LA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cre), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. The content of glycogen and the expression of AMPKα and p-AMPKα in muscle tissue were detected. Results Taurine formula and compound taurine formula with Radix Astragali had no liver toxicity. Compared with taurine formula of the same dose, the exhaustive swimming time of mice increased by 34% after adding Radix Astragali; LA content was significantly decreased, LDH and SOD contents were significantly increased (P<0.05); The expression level of p-AMPKα/AMPKα protein was increased (P<0.01). Conclusion Compound taurine formula with Radix Astragali can reduce the accumulation of LA and BUN, increase muscle glycogen reserve, significantly prolong the exhaustive swimming time of mice by increasing AMPKα phosphorylation, and improve the exercise ability of fatigue mice.

Key words: Taurine, Radix Astragali, Fatigue, Muscle glycogen, p-AMPKα/AMPKα