Objective:To investigate the effects of Astragalus on expression of apoptosis related genes after cerebral ischemia.Method:Cerebral ischemia model was made by ligation of both internal carotid artery.Immunohistochemical method and flow cytometry were used to observe bcl-2 and p53 positive immunocytes and apoptotic cells.Result:Cerebral blood flow was decreased,the gene controlling apoptosis in cerebral cortex was upregulated significantly after ligation of both internal carotid artery.But there was no existence of apoptotic cell group.Expression of p53 was inhibited,and that of bcl-2 was enhanced after astragalus was administrated by intraperitoneal injection.Conclusion:Astragalus could inhibit the expression of proapoptotic genes and enhance that of inhibiting-apototic genes in ischemia area after cerebral ischemia.