To investigate the effects of Shulikang capsule on prevention of acute high altitude reaction at high altitude. Methods. 150 recruits who would be sent to Rikaze（above sea level 3 900m） by airplanes were divided randomly into three groups： Shulikang group（n=50, S group） taking Shulikang capsule, integripetal rhodiola herb group（n=50, IR group） taking integripetal rhodiola herb capsule and control group（n=50, C group） taking placebo. The three groups were given the Shulikang, rhodiola and placebo respectively （3 capsule/time, bid） before two days and in 5 days exposed altitude.
 The anoxic symptoms were recorded and scored every evening for five days. Results. The mean score of anoxic symptoms of S group was lower than those of IR and C groups （P〈0.05=in the first day altitude but no difference in the second day and third day altitude （P〈0.05）. Before three days at high altitude, the rates of 0 score of S group were 34%, 60% and 76%, respectively at the first to third day in progress~C group were 28%, 48% and 76%, respectively;IR group were 24%, 40% and 66%, respectively. Conclusions： Shulikang capsule can lessen the anoxic symptoms, decrease the incidence of acute high altitude reaction and prevent effectively high altitude reaction.
source: Journal of High Altitude Medicine  2006 vol 16, 3