Mechanistic Study on the Antidepressant-Like Effect of Danggui-Shaoyao-San, a Chinese Herbal Formula

Abstract EN

Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DSS), a famous Chinese herbal formula, has been widely used in the treatment of various diseases.

Previous studies have shown that DSS produces antidepressant-like effect in rodents.

This study aims to investigate the mechanism(s) underlying the antidepressant-like action of DDS.

The results showed that DSS treatment significantly antagonized reserpine-induced ptosis in mice.

In addition, DSS treatment significantly increased sucrose consumption in chronic unpredictable stress- (CUS-) treated mice.

DSS treatment also markedly attenuated CUS-induced decreases in noradrenaline and dopamine concentrations in mouse brain.

Furthermore, DSS treatment significantly reversed CUS-induced increase in serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content and decrease in serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in mice.

The results suggest that the antidepressant-like activity of DSS is probably mediated by the modulation of central monoamine neurotransmitter systems and the reduction of oxidative stress.