Objective: To investigate the anti-depressant effect and the possible mechanism of Xiaoyao Wan in animal models.
Methods: The open-field test and the forced swimming test were applied to study the anti-depressant effect of Xiaoyao Wan in mice, and HPLC-ECD was carried out to assay the contents of 5-HT and 5-HIAA, and the mechanism of Xiaoyao Wan on anti-depressant effect was discussed.
Results: Xiaoyao Wan at the dose of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg significantly increased the revolutions in force swimming test, and ameliorated brain cortex 5-HT and 5-HIAA content of restraint mice. But there was no effect on brain cortex 5-HT and 5-HIAA content of non-restraint mice.
Conclusion: Xiaoyao Wan has significant anti-depressant effect which may be related to the potentiation of brain serotonergic function.