Effect of Jieyu Xiaoyao Decoction on the Behavioral Manifestations in Depression Rats

Objective To research the effect of Jieyu Xiaoyao Decoction (Depression-Resolving Free Wanderer Decoction) on the behavioral manifestations in depression rats and analyze the possible mechanism of anti-depression effect. Methods Totally 32 SD rats were randomized into the blank control group, model group, medication group and normal saline (NS) group, with 8 in each. The depression models were established with chronic unpredictable stress stimulation. The rats in the blank control group and model group were raised normally. The medication group was gavaged with 10.5 ml/kg of 0.93 g/ml Jieyu Xiaoyao Decoction once daily. The NS group was gavaged with 2 ml NS once daily. The administration lasted for 28 days. The open field test and sucrose consumption test was conducted on the 0, 21st and 28th day of experiment. Results Comparing with the blank control group, the horizontal and vertical mobility and sucrose consumption were significantly decreased in the model group, medication group and NS group on the 21st and 28th day of experiment (P0.05 or P0.01). The horizontal and vertical mobility and sucrose consumption in the medication group were significantly higher than that in the model group and NS group on the 28th day of experiment (P0.05). There was no significant difference between the model group and NS group in the horizontal and vertical mobility and sucrose consumption (P0.05). There was no significant difference between groups in the total liquid consumption on the 0, 21st and 28th day of experiment (P0.05). Conclusion Jieyu Xiaoyao Decoction can improve the athletic ability and euphoria in depression rats, this might be part of the mechanism of its anti-depression effect.