Objective: To investigate the effect of Yishen Huanshuai recipe (YSHSR) on the progression of chronic renal failure (CRF).Methods: Forty-six patients with CRF were divided into two groups: group A (self-controlled group

n= 18)

whose treatment plan was subdivided into two phases. During the first phase

the patients treated with low protein diet and controlling blood pressure

while in the second phase

YSHSR was given. Group B (n = 28)

whose treatment plan was similar with that of group A in the second phase. The rate of progression of CRF was estimated by slope of the creatinine reciprocal (dl/mg) with time (month).Results: Mean slope of the creatinine reciprocal with time from the group A during the first phase was - 0. 0104 ± 0. 0021

while during the second phase

it was - 0. 0034 ± 0. 0018. There was significant difference between them (P<0.05). Mean slope from the group B was - 0.0047 ± 0.0020. There was also significant difference between that from the group B and that from the group A during the first phase (P<0.05).Conclusion: Low protein diet and controlling blood pressure combined with YSHSR therapy could markedly retard the rate of progression of CRF.