Abstract:Objective:The clinical action of combined use of Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati and Radix Astragali on HSV 1 was investigated with a view to developing a new antiviral drug.Method:The action was analyzed by way of plaque reduction assay and median effect principle.Results:In the HEp 2 cell system, if the combination ratio of Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati and Radix Astragali was 1(ED 50 )∶1(ED 50 ) then, (1)In directly annihilating HSV 1 F strain, when the plaque reduction rate was 20%~80%,and the combination index was<1.0, there was synergism.(2) In inhibiting the multiplication of HSV 1 F strain, when the plaque reduction rate was 20%~60%, and the combination index was<1.0, there was also synergism. (3)In blockading HSV 1 F strain infection, when the plaque reduction rate was 20%~90% and the combination index was<1.0, there was synergism.So this ratio of 1(ED 50 )∶1(ED 50 ) should be the first choice for combination.Conclusion: The treatment index of the above two Chinese medicinal herbs equals 10 3, and the cytotoxicity is not potentiated,indicating that the combination is helpful as a virucide for HSV 1 F strain.