Abstract: The effects of ginseng polysaccharides and polyactin A on erythrocyte deformability were studies in rabbits and rats. The results showed that ginseng polysaccharides and polyactin A could improve red-cell deformability. Comparing with the control group , there were remarkble differences in speed of filtration. In microcirculation, red cells can pass through those capillaries with diameters smaller than the red cells. This special ability plays an important role in microcirculation. The impaired erythrocyte deformability may increase the blood viscosity,decrease the volume of blood flow and lead to thrombosis. So,drugs that can raise the red cell deformability are effective for reducing blood viscosity and restraining thrombus formation.

Key words: erythrocyte deformability, ginseng polssaccharides, polyactin A